Changes

In fact, false accusations were a problem in colonial America as they are today.  Colonists feared the power of the new government being used to intimidate witnesses into testifying falsely, and imprisoning critics of government.  During the President of John Adams, a few of his opponents were fined and even imprisoned under the Sedition Act for criticizing the president.

In fact, false accusations were a problem in colonial America as they are today.  Colonists feared the power of the new government being used to intimidate witnesses into testifying falsely, and imprisoning critics of government.  During the President of John Adams, a few of his opponents were fined and even imprisoned under the Sedition Act for criticizing the president.

The Sixth Amendment contains perhaps the greatest safeguard of all against false accusation: the right “to be confronted with the witnesses against him.”  This includes the right of cross-examination, by which an accused’s attorney can question the government witnesses in open court.  Statements made outside of court can be excluded in criminal trials if the defendant lacks an opportunity to cross-examine the person who made the statement.  “I heard someone say he saw defendant rob the bank” isn’t going to be allowed, unless that someone is cross-examined in open court.

The Sixth Amendment contains perhaps the greatest safeguard of all against false accusation: the right “to be confronted with the witnesses against him.”  This includes the right of cross-examination, by which an accused person's attorney can question the government witnesses in open court.  Statements made outside of court can be excluded in criminal trials if the defendant lacks an opportunity to cross-examine the person who made the statement.  “I heard someone say he saw defendant rob the bank” isn’t going to be allowed, unless that someone is cross-examined in open court.

Many feel that these amendments have been expanded too far to protect dangerous criminals.  This became a national controversy in the 1960s, as the Supreme Court interpreted these amendments broadly in favor of criminal defendants.

Many feel that these amendments have been expanded too far to protect dangerous criminals.  This became a national controversy in the 1960s, as the Supreme Court interpreted these amendments broadly in favor of criminal defendants.