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 Maryland, 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 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. Maryland courts adhere to these constitutional mandates and have procedures in place to ensure that these rights are protected. For instance, Maryland Rule 4-263 requires the prosecution to disclose the identity of witnesses it intends to call at trial, and Maryland's Public Defender Act ensures that indigent defendants receive legal representation. Additionally, Maryland has specific statutes and court rules that address the logistics of jury selection, trial scheduling, and witness examination to comply with the Sixth Amendment.