The right to a speedy trial is guaranteed by which amendment?

• A. First Amendment
• B. Fourth Amendment
• C. Sixth Amendment
• D. Eighth Amendment

Answer: (C)

The right to a speedy trial is a protection written into the Sixth Amendment. This amendment guarantees several crucial rights for someone facing criminal charges, and a speedy and public trial is one of them. The idea is to prevent unnecessary and excessive delays between arrest and trial so the defendant can prepare a defense, avoid prolonged pretrial detention, and ensure the integrity of the case by preserving witness memory and evidence.

It's helpful to know what the other amendments cover to see why this one fits here: the First Amendment protects freedoms like speech, religion, and assembly; the Fourth Amendment guards against unreasonable searches and seizures; and the Eighth Amendment bars cruel and unusual punishment and places limits on bail and fines. So the specific protection about moving a criminal case forward promptly is a provision of the Sixth Amendment.