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 Ohio, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusations, the right to confront witnesses, the right to obtain witnesses in their favor, and the right to have the assistance of an attorney for their defense. Ohio courts are bound by the Sixth Amendment and have developed a body of case law interpreting these rights. For instance, the right to a speedy trial is codified in Ohio Revised Code Section 2945.71, which sets specific time limits for bringing a defendant to trial. Additionally, Ohio rules and case law address the impartiality of juries and the procedures for ensuring that a defendant can confront adverse witnesses. The right to counsel is particularly emphasized, and if a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court, as per the Ohio Public Defender's office and relevant state statutes.