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. Which statement best summarizes the purpose of the Sixth Amendment? There is a major difference between criminal prosecutions and civil cases. The most important right of the accused is a trial by jury. The accused have a right to a clearly defined legal process. As long as a defendant has legal counsel, his or her rights are protected.