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 Oklahoma, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees criminal defendants certain rights to ensure a fair trial. These rights include the right to 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 also have the right 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. Oklahoma statutes and court rules provide the procedures to enforce these rights. For example, Oklahoma has rules regarding the selection and composition of juries to ensure impartiality, procedures for the discovery of evidence, including witness statements, and mechanisms for the defendant to obtain legal representation, including the appointment of a public defender if the accused cannot afford an attorney.