On National Public Defender Day (March 18), the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA) recognizes the vital work of public defense lawyers.
As provided in the Sixth Amendment: 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 defense.
View the following resources and websites to learn how BJA is working to support programs and activities to help strengthen the Sixth Amendment: