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 Tennessee, 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 a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime was committed, the right to be informed of the charges against them, the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, the right to subpoena witnesses in their defense, and the right to have an attorney. Tennessee courts are bound by these constitutional provisions and have developed a body of state law and procedures to ensure these rights are protected. For instance, Tennessee has rules regarding the selection and conduct of juries, procedures for pre-trial discovery, and mechanisms for the defendant to obtain witnesses through subpoenas. Additionally, if a defendant cannot afford an attorney, the state is required to provide one at no cost to the defendant, typically through a public defender's office.