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 Rhode Island, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees criminal defendants certain rights to ensure a fair trial. These rights include being informed of the charges against them, the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to be tried by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime was committed, the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, the right to subpoena witnesses in their defense, and the right to have an attorney. Rhode Island state statutes and court rules provide the procedures to enforce these rights. For example, the Rhode Island Rules of Criminal Procedure outline the processes for a speedy trial, jury selection, and the conduct of criminal trials. Additionally, Rhode Island provides for the appointment of public defenders or other court-appointed attorneys for those who cannot afford legal representation, ensuring compliance with the Sixth Amendment's guarantee of the assistance of counsel for defense.