Why was a speedy public trial important?

Answer 1

Right to a Speedy and Public Trial

Article I, Section 14 of the S.C. Constitution, and the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution

provide that the accused in a criminal trial shall have the right to a speedy and public trial.

The right to a speedy trial is a right which can be waived. Waiver of such right is generally inferred where

(1) the accused failed to make timely demand that he be either tried or discharged,

(2) the court grants a continuance on motion of the accused or with his consent, or

(3) the accused voluntarily entered a plea of guilty without raising the question of denial of a speedy trial.

Wheeler v. State, 247 S.C. 393, 401, 147 S.E.2d 627, 630 (1966)

( 180 days )

Answer 2

People have been asking that question for years. Basically there is no real answer. Once you're put on the docket and they set the date for trial, you just have to wait. The speedy part is really referring to (or what the majority believe) the point in where you are arrested and your arraignment hearing.

Answer 3

Corrupt law officials could keep prisoners secretly and indefinitely if the right to a speedy and public trial were not in the Constitution. (Kind of like they do in Guantanamo Bay...)

Answer 4

yes, the amendment is the sixth of course!

Answer 5

So that persons accused of crimes are not locked away out of sight forever until they are forgotten.

Answer 6

Yes, every citizen entitled to a right of a speedy and public trial because justice delayed is justice denied.