Speedy and Public Trial
Set 1
Mira and Audra

What are some landmark cases related to this right?

Gideon v. Wainwright

States must provide a lawyer for defendants who cannot afford one

Clarence Gideon was charged with breaking and entering with the intent to commit a misdemeanor in Florida

Appeared in Court without an attorney

The Court stated that the assistance of counsel is necessary to protect fundamental human rights of life and liberty

Coy v. Iowa

John Coy was tried for sexually assaulting two 13-year-old girls in Iowa.

Court allowed the 2 girls to testify behind a screen so they would not have to see Coy

Coy argued against this and The Supreme Court ruled that the screen violated Coy's right to confront the witnesses face-to-face

How does this right impact the daily lives of Americans?

Guaranteeing fundamental protections for anyone accused of a crime

Right to have a timely trial

Right to have a lawyer

Right to confront and call witnesses during their trials

Right to have their witnesses appear in their trial

What groups of people have benefited the most from this right?

People who have low income

Criminals/ juveniles

Racial and Ethnic Minorities

Immigrants/Non-Citizens

Has this right ever been challenged or limited?

Yes

Ex. People have the right to have an attorney, however, having the right to choose a particular attorney is not absolute.

A court may deny a defendant's choice of attorney if there is a serious conflict of interest or other concerns about the attorney's ability to effectively represent the defendant

What is the historical context in which this right was added to the Constitution?

To address concerns about unfair practices in criminal trials during the colonial period

Potential of biased jurys

Lack of access to legal counsel

What specific language in the amendment protects this right?

"In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial"

This phrase clearly states that a person accused of a crime has the right to a trial that is both "speedy" (occurring without undue delay) and "public" (open to the public).

How has this right been interpreted by the courts over time?

The "public trial" aspect is generally interpreted to mean that the public has a right to attend criminal trials, but exceptions may exist for sensitive information or to protect witnesses.

Not guaranteeing a specific time limit for a trial; defendant must express their right to a speedy and public trial

Richmond Newspapers v. Virginia (1980): Affirmed the public's right to attend criminal trials

Why is this right important in a democratic society?

Guarantees fundamental rights to criminal defendants

It gives criminals a fair trial by providing the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury, the right to confront witnesses, and the right to a legal counsel

All essential elements of the process and protect against arbitrary government action, upholding the principle of "innocent until proven guilty."