The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that a person accused of a crime has the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, and states that:

“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.”

In Pennsylvania, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees criminal defendants certain fundamental rights. These rights include the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime was committed. The Commonwealth must inform the accused of the charges and the evidence against them. Defendants also have the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses who testify against them, to subpoena witnesses in their defense, and to have the assistance of an attorney. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court at no cost to the defendant. Pennsylvania's state statutes and court rules provide additional details on how these rights are implemented, ensuring that the accused receive a fair trial in accordance with both federal and state law.