AMENDMENT 6

Source: Man charged in UConn killing may seek speedy trial, September 17, 2010
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gHqGVNTo5aC2300i65qindJctwGgD9I9KF700

Constitutional Connection: Amendment 6 - Right to Speedy Trial, Confrontation of Witnesses
“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.”

Explanation of Connection:

A man was charged for stabbing a University of Connecticut football player. The stabbing resulted in the player’s death. Now John Lomax and his attorney are going to request a trial date as soon as possible and possibly hear a plea offer.

This article demonstrates Amendment 6 of the United States Constitution. Lomax is demanding a speedy trial for the crime he is accused of. This amendment gives him the right to do that. Everyone is entitled to a trial for their crimes.

I think this amendment is very important to our government and society. Every person deserves a fair trial. People get wrongly accused of crimes all of the time. If they get a trial by an impartial jury of their peers, then possibly the wrongly accused will prove themselves innocent and the guilty will be proven guilty. Trials make prison sentences and punishments more civilized.