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 Ohio, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime was committed. Ohio's legal system ensures that these constitutional rights are upheld in its courts. The state statutes and rules of criminal procedure provide mechanisms to determine the impartiality of the jury and to manage the timing of trials to avoid undue delays. Additionally, Ohio defendants are informed of the charges against them, have the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses, and can subpoena witnesses in their defense. The right to counsel is also firmly established, meaning that if a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court. These rights are protected throughout the criminal justice process to ensure a fair trial for the accused.