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 Pennsylvania, 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 accused must be informed of the charges and have the opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses against them. They also have the right to subpoena witnesses in their defense and to have the assistance of an attorney. Pennsylvania courts are bound by these constitutional provisions and have established procedures to uphold them. For instance, Pennsylvania Rule of Criminal Procedure 600 ensures a defendant's right to a speedy trial by setting forth time limits within which a trial must commence. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Rules of Evidence govern the confrontation of witnesses, ensuring that defendants have the opportunity to challenge the evidence presented against them. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court, as per the Public Defender Act and relevant case law, to ensure their right to counsel is protected.