What is the 6th Amendment?
The 6th Amendment is about the Right to a fair Trial and it also addresses the subject of Witnesses. It is also called the Compulsory Process Clause or the Speedy Trial Clause.
Summary of the 6th Amendment
Summary: The 6th Amendment states that a person has the right to be told what they are charged with, have a fair and speedy trial by a jury, to have a lawyer during the trial and has the right to question witnesses against them and have the right to get their own witnesses to testify.
6th Amendment - Right to a fair Trial and the subject of Witnesses
George Washington was the first American President who served in office from April 30, 1789 to March 4, 1797. One of the key events during his presidency was the ratification of the 6th Amendment to the Constitution. The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights, which includes the 6th amendment, was ratified (meaning approved) on December 15, 1791.
6th Amendment Simplified Summary
A simplified summary of the 6th Amendment is:
The Rights of Persons on Trial for Crimes
Cause and Reason for the 6th Amendment
The cause or reason for this addition to the Constitution was to ensure that Americans would receive a fast and fair trial with people who would defend them and speak in their favor. Under British law Americans did not have this right and many people suspected of committing a crime languished in a jail for years awaiting trial, only to be found 'not guilty' an released.
6th Amendment Meaning, Explanation and Summary
The outrage of the early colonists against the treatment, and the laws, imposed by the British led to the addition of the Bill of Rights to the Constitution. The meaning of the words and phrases in the 6th Amendment of the Constitution are explained as follows:
". You have the right to an attorney.
If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you."