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 Idaho, 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. The state of Idaho must ensure that the district is determined according to the law prior to the trial. Defendants must be informed of the charges against them, have the opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses, obtain witnesses in their favor through compulsory process, and have the right to an attorney. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided at the state's expense. Idaho's state statutes and court rules outline the procedures to implement these rights, ensuring that criminal proceedings are conducted fairly and in accordance with constitutional principles.