Question

Since only about 10% of the criminal cases are settled by trial and approximately 1% are jury trials, why do we focus on them? Why are we so concerned that a trial be fair? Why does so much of the Fifth and Sixth Amendments to the U.S. Constitution concern the trial?

Answer 1

Fair trials ensure that governments cannot convict someone or take away their liberty unless they follow fair and just processes. They make sure that anyone accused of a crime can understand what is happening to them.The right to fair trial also means that if a person is accused of a crime, he is innocent until proved guilty. And, he is entitled to legal defence: everyone has a right to get in touch with and get to actually meet a lawyer. This stands even if he cannot afford to pay his legal fees.

The Bill of Rights is a crucial component of the United States Constitution that was designed to ensure the basic rights of the country's citizens.Certain parts of these additional amendments and the Bill of Rights have had a major impact on the criminal justice system. These amendments include the fourth, fifth, sixth, eighth, and the fourteenth amendments. Their purpose is meant to ensure that people are treated fairly if suspected or arrested for crimes.

The Fifth Amendment states that a person cannot be prosecuted or punished without being given due process. Due process is a person's legal rights under the law which includes being served with notice, and having the right to be heard and defend himself or herself. This ensured that there was an actual criminal procedure that took place, and prevented people from being unjustly taken from their homes and punished without a trial.

The Sixth Amendment guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a public trial without unnecessary delay, the right to a lawyer, the right to an impartial jury, and the right to know who your accusers are and the nature of the charges and evidence against you. In addition to this, a defendant has the right to a trial that is judged by a jury of his or her peers. During this trial, he or she also has the right to know what the nature of the charges are, have legal representation, and to face any witnesses for the prosecution.