Ratified December 15, 1791
Guarantees the core mechanics of a fair criminal trial: a speedy, public trial before an impartial jury in the district where the crime happened; the right to know the charges; the right to confront witnesses and compel favorable ones to testify; and the right to a defense attorney.
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 defence.