The Constitution of the United States: Amendment 6--Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses
Ratified 12/15/1791 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. Query: While the right to a speedy trial and the right to counsel are ironclad rights, what often happens to poor or even middle class defendants? How might the legal representation of the rich differ from the representation of those of modest means?