Six Amendment

From the Federal Crimes Act of 1790 to Miranda v. Arizona 364 U.S. 436 (1966) the Sixth Amendment right to counsel had developed tremendously. This essay will explore the development of the Sixth Amendment, including what the Sixth Amendment is and when it applies to a individual. The notion of effective counsel will also be defined by the Court. The Sixth Amendment was long interpreted as only meaning the right to counsel of ones choice and at ones …

…and to confront accusers, as well as a right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in all criminal cases. The right to counsel applies whenever a person feels they need it. The right to counsel includes a right to effective counsel. In United States v. Cronic, 466 U.S. 640 (1984) Justice Stevens explains that a competent counsel is essential to the accusatory system. The Court remains reluctant to find attorneys that are incompetent.