the 6th amendment
by: Shmi Salinas
the original text
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 at 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 the counsel for his defense.
origin of the amendment
This amendment was created alongside the other amendments of the bill of rights to ensure that people wouldn't be left in prison without a trial soon. In the past Britain had left people in jail for years before their trial began. It also ensured that no one be prosecuted without knowing of what like sometimes in the past.
what the amendment means
This means that no one can be left in jail without a trail soon. A impartial jury is provided. You will have the trial in the state where the offense transpired. They are required to inform you why you are being prosecuted. The trial must be public. Finally you are also allowed a lawyer.
supreme court case- united states vs. Tinklenberg- 2011
Tinklenberg was charged for violating various federal gun and drug laws back in October 2005, but the trial started in August 2006. In 2011 the case went to the supreme court for not being a speedy trial.
rationale in case
The court ruled that he did have a speedy trial due to the fact of unavoidable delays. In the end he only had 69 inexcusable days which is still legal. With this they permitted that some excusable days aren't counted