How does the U.S. justice system ensure that defendants receive a fair trial?

The U.S. justice system is built on the principles of due process of law and the presumption of innocence, which means that every defendant has the right to a fair and impartial trial. There are several ways in which the U.S. justice system ensures that defendants receive a fair trial:

• Jury Selection: The Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a trial by an impartial jury. In order to achieve this, potential jurors are carefully screened to ensure that they are unbiased and free from prejudice.
• Presentation of Evidence: Both the prosecution and defense are given the opportunity to present evidence and cross-examine witnesses in order to build their case.
• Legal Representation: Defendants have the right to legal representation, either through a private attorney or a court-appointed public defender if they cannot afford one.
• Presumption of Innocence: Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and it is the prosecution's burden to prove guilt.
• Appeals Process: If a defendant is convicted, they have the right to appeal the verdict to a higher court to ensure that their trial was fair and their rights were protected.

While the U.S. justice system is not perfect, these measures help to ensure that defendants are given a fair trial and that justice is served.