The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that a person accused of a crime has the right to the assistance of counsel, 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 Mississippi, the Sixth Amendment rights are upheld and integrated into the state's legal framework. This means that individuals accused of a crime in Mississippi are guaranteed the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, which is selected from the state and district where the crime occurred. The state ensures that the district is determined according to existing laws. Defendants are also entitled to be informed of the charges against them, to confront and cross-examine witnesses who testify against them, to subpoena witnesses in their defense, and crucially, to have the assistance of an attorney for their defense. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, the state is obligated to provide one at no cost to the defendant, typically through the public defender's office. These rights are designed to ensure a fair trial and to protect the fundamental liberties of individuals accused of crimes.