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 Arkansas, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees criminal defendants certain rights to ensure a fair trial. 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 district must be established by law prior to the offense. Defendants are also entitled to be informed of the charges against them, to confront and cross-examine the witnesses who testify against them, to subpoena witnesses in their defense, and to have the assistance of an attorney. Arkansas state statutes and court rules provide the procedures to enforce these rights. For example, Arkansas Rule of Criminal Procedure 17.1 outlines the right to a speedy trial and the time limits within which a trial must commence. Additionally, the Arkansas Public Defender Commission ensures that indigent defendants receive legal representation. If a defendant's Sixth Amendment rights are violated, the remedy may include dismissal of charges or a new trial, depending on the circumstances.