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 Kansas, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime was committed. The state of Kansas must ensure that these federal constitutional protections are upheld in its courts. This includes the right of the accused to be informed of the charges against them, to confront and cross-examine witnesses who are testifying against them, to subpoena witnesses in their defense, and to have the assistance of an attorney for their defense. Kansas statutes and court rules provide the procedures to enforce these rights. For example, Kansas has specific rules regarding the selection of a fair and impartial jury, and procedures to ensure that a defendant's trial occurs without undue delay. Additionally, Kansas provides for the appointment of an attorney for defendants who cannot afford one, ensuring the right to counsel is preserved.