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Criminal procedure

right to speedy, public trial

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 Massachusetts, the Sixth Amendment rights are upheld and integrated into the state's legal framework. This means that individuals accused of a crime are guaranteed the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury. The jury must be from the state and district where the crime occurred, as determined by law. Defendants must be informed of the charges and evidence against them, have the opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses, and have the ability to subpoena witnesses in their defense. Additionally, they have the right to the assistance of an attorney. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court. Massachusetts courts interpret and apply these rights in accordance with both federal constitutional standards and state law to ensure fair trial procedures are followed.

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Criminal procedure

right to speedy, public trial

Individual & Family Legal Plan

Articles

Massachusetts State Code

Massachusetts State Code

Criminal procedure

right to speedy, public trial

Articles