Which amendment ensures the right to confront witnesses?

The Sixth Amendment is the provision in the United States Constitution that guarantees individuals the right to confront witnesses against them. This right is part of several protections afforded to individuals in criminal prosecutions, which also include the right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and legal counsel. The confrontation clause specifically allows defendants to challenge the credibility of witnesses and question the evidence presented against them, which is fundamental to ensuring a fair trial. This amendment helps to maintain the integrity of the judicial process, allowing for transparency and accountability in how evidence is presented and how testimony is provided during a criminal trial.

In contrast, the other amendments listed focus on different rights and protections. The Second Amendment pertains to the right to bear arms, the Fourth Amendment safeguards against unreasonable searches and seizures, and the Eighth Amendment prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. Each amendment has its own distinct purpose that does not intersect with the right to confront witnesses in legal proceedings.