The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that a person accused of a crime has the right to a speedy and public trial, 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 Connecticut, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the rights of individuals accused of crimes. This includes the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime was committed. Connecticut law ensures that these federal constitutional protections are upheld in its courts. The state statutes and rules of criminal procedure provide mechanisms to enforce these rights, such as setting time limits for when a trial must commence to ensure 'speediness,' and detailing the process for jury selection to ensure impartiality. Additionally, Connecticut provides for the right to be informed of the charges, to confront and cross-examine witnesses, to subpoena witnesses in the defense's favor, and to have the assistance of an attorney. If an accused cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court, as per the Public Defender Services Commission established under Connecticut General Statutes. These rights are fundamental to the state's criminal justice system and are rigorously protected by both state and federal courts.