GED Social Studies - 6th Amendment
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Important Instructions
Please read and answer 23 Questions carefully within
TIME LIMIT 30 min.
The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the rights of criminal defendants. It ensures a fair and impartial trial through various provisions, which have become foundational in American jurisprudence. Central to the amendment is the right to a speedy trial, allowing defendants to avoid prolonged incarceration without trial. It also asserts the right to an impartial jury of one’s peers, drawn from the state and district where the crime occurred. Additionally, the Sixth Amendment guarantees the defendant's right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusations against them, thereby allowing for a proper defense. The amendment also includes the right to confront witnesses and to obtain witnesses in their favor, as well as the right to legal counsel. Overall, the Sixth Amendment plays a critical role in upholding the principle of due process, ensuring that individuals have access to a fair legal system and that justice is served.
Notable Speeches Related to the 6th Amendment
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Thurgood Marshall - "In Defense of the Constitution" (1967)
- Context: Marshall, the first African American Supreme Court Justice, spoke about the importance of upholding constitutional rights, specifically highlighting the right to counsel.
- Speech:
“The Constitution is not a mere piece of parchment; it is a living document that must reflect the will of the people and the preservation of our rights.”
- Full Text: In Defense of the Constitution
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Martin Luther King Jr. - "I've Been to the Mountaintop" (1968)
- Context: In his final speech, King emphasized the need for justice and equal rights, referencing the rights secured by the Sixth Amendment.
- Speech:
“We are now faced with the fact that tomorrow is today. We are confronted with the fierce urgency of now.”
- Full Text: I've Been to the Mountaintop
This compilation reflects key thoughts during movements for civil rights, emphasizing the need for legal protections and the availability of fair trials that the Sixth Amendment guarantees.
Right | Description |
---|---|
Right to a Speedy Trial | The defendant has the right to have a trial within a reasonable time frame. |
Right to Impartial Jury | The defendant is entitled to a jury that is unbiased and represents their peers. |
Right to be Informed of Charges | The defendant must be informed of the nature and cause of the accusations against them. |
Right to Confront Witnesses | The defendant has the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses against them. |
Right to Counsel | The defendant has the right to legal representation, even if they cannot afford an attorney. |