Question

The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution deals with criminal prosecutions and the "right to a speedy trial by an impartial jury of the State and district" where the crime took place. Which of the following grievances against King George III listed in the Declaration of Independence led the colonists to create this amendment?

A.
"for transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences"
B.
"He has affected to render the military independent of and superior to the civil power."
C.
"for quartering large bodies of armed troops among us"
D.
"He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures."

Answer 1

The correct answer is A. “for transporting us beyond seas to be tried for pretended offences”. This grievance was one of the 27 complaints that the colonists had against King George III in the Declaration of Independence. It refers to the practice of sending American colonists to England for trial, which violated their right to a jury of their peers in the place where the crime was committed. The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution was designed to protect this right and ensure a fair and speedy trial for criminal defendants.