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 Mississippi, the Sixth Amendment rights are upheld through both federal and state laws. The right to a speedy and public trial is guaranteed, ensuring that criminal defendants are tried without undue delay and that the proceedings are open to the public. Defendants are entitled to be tried by an impartial jury, which is selected from the state and district where the crime occurred. Mississippi law requires that the district be established by law before the offense. The accused must be informed of the charges and evidence against them, allowing for a fair opportunity to mount a defense. This includes the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses who testify against them. Additionally, defendants in Mississippi have the right to subpoena witnesses in their favor and to have the assistance of an attorney. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to them at no cost. These rights are fundamental to the criminal justice process in Mississippi and are designed to ensure a fair trial for all accused individuals.