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 New Hampshire, the Sixth Amendment rights are upheld in accordance with federal law. This means that individuals accused of a crime are guaranteed the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime occurred. The state ensures that the district for the trial is 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. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court. These rights are fundamental to the criminal justice process and are designed to ensure a fair trial. New Hampshire's court system and procedural rules are structured to protect these constitutional guarantees for all individuals facing criminal prosecution.