Sixth Amendment

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel, which promises every person has a skilled, zealous advocate by their side when they stand accused of a crime. As Gideon recognized, defendants' procedural and substantive rights cannot be protected unless every person has an attorney with the resources, skills, and independence to advocate for them. The Sixth Amendment also guarantees the right to a public and speedy trial, the right to an impartial jury, and the right to know who your accusers are and the nature of the charges and evidence against you.