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 Jersey, 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 Jersey courts interpret this right in accordance with federal constitutional standards and have established procedures to ensure that trials are conducted without undue delay. Additionally, the accused must be informed of the charges against them, have the opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses, and have the means to compel witnesses to appear in their defense. The right to counsel is also fundamental, and New Jersey provides attorneys to those who cannot afford one through its public defender system. These rights are enforced through the New Jersey court system and are consistent with the federal constitutional mandate.