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 New Hampshire, 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. New Hampshire adheres to these constitutional requirements and has established procedures to ensure that defendants are tried without undue delay. Additionally, the state ensures that the accused are informed of the charges against them, can confront and cross-examine witnesses, have the ability to subpoena witnesses in their defense, and have the right to the assistance of an attorney. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court, as per the ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright. New Hampshire's court rules and statutes provide further details on the implementation of these rights to align with the federal standards set by the Sixth Amendment.