2013•The Encyclopedia of Criminology and Criminal JusticeRequires access
Right to Counsel
Julie A. Warnick
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Abstract
Abstract The right to counsel is the constitutional right of a criminal defendant to be represented by an attorney (lawyer) during criminal court proceedings to ensure a fair trial as set forth in the Sixth Amendment of the US Constitution. The right to counsel pertains to the defendant's right to have counsel present at court proceedings and the right to have counsel appointed for indigent criminal defendants—those defendants who cannot afford to pay for their own legal representation.