Question

The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution begins: “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…” What does this mean in practice for a defendant in a federal criminal trial?

Answer 1

The defendant will likely have to wait a year or more for the trial, despite “quick and speedy.” But the defendant will be found “guilty” or “not-guilty” through unanimous decision by a jury of 12 people.