The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that a person accused of a crime has the right to be confronted with the witnesses against him (the confrontation clause), 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 Alabama, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution is fully recognized and upheld within the state's legal framework. This means that individuals accused of a crime in Alabama are guaranteed the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, which is selected from the state and district where the crime occurred. The district must be one that has been established by law prior to the offense. Defendants are also entitled to be informed of the charges and evidence against them, to confront and cross-examine the witnesses who testify against them, and to summon witnesses in their defense. Furthermore, they have the right to the assistance of an attorney to help prepare and present their defense. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court at no cost to the defendant. These rights are enshrined in both the federal constitution and are reflected in the Alabama Rules of Criminal Procedure, ensuring that the principles of the confrontation clause and the right to counsel are applied in Alabama courts.