The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution is the one that establishes rights that are related to criminal prosecutions. This amendment belongs to the Bill of Rights proposed by James Madison.
One of the central ideas of the amendment is that individual freedoms are protected in more ways than those contained in the Constitution and in amendments I-V. For example, the amendment promises the right to a speedy and public trial for the accused. It also mandates an impartial jury of the State and an Assistance of Counsel for the defence of the accused. All of these factors contribute to making trials fairer and more just. They also extend individual rights beyond those previously mentioned in the Bill of Rights.
