Identify and discuss four legal rights a defendant has during trial

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Right to a speedy trial: The Sixth Amendment guarantees a defendant the right to a speedy trial. In determining compliance, the following factors must be considered: (1) the length of the delay, (2) the reason for the delay, (3) the timeliness of the defendant's assertion of his or her right to a speedy trial, and (4) the prejudice to the defendant. Right to a jury trial: The Sixth Amendment holds this right, and the Fourteenth Amendment applies this fundamental right to the states; the majority of states and the federal courts still require a unanimous verdict. Right to be free from double jeopardy: The Fifth Amendment provides that a defendant cannot be prosecuted by a jurisdiction more than once for a single offense. Right to legal counsel: The Sixth Amendment provides the right to be represented by an attorney in criminal trials even if indigent. Right to be competent at trial: In order to stand trial, a criminal defendant must be considered mentally competent to understand the nature and extent of the legal proceedings. If a defendant is considered mentally incompetent, the trial must be postponed until treatment renders the defendant capable of participating in his or her own defense. Right to confront witnesses: The accused has the right to confront witnesses to challenge their assertions and perceptions; in cases of child witnesses, they can testify via closed-circuit television as long as safeguards have been set up to protect the defendant's rights. Right to press coverage: The U.S. Supreme Court interpreted the First Amendment to mean that members of the press (and the public) have a right to attend trials; this is at the judge's discretion in state courts, but banned in the federal court system,