Which Amendment provides that the accused has the right to Assistance of Counsel for his defense?

• A. 5th Amendment
• B. 4th Amendment
• C. 8th Amendment
• D. 6th Amendment

Answer: (D)

The right to have the assistance of counsel for the defense comes from the Sixth Amendment. It guarantees that in criminal prosecutions, the accused may rely on an attorney to represent, advise, and advocate on their behalf, ensuring a fair trial and competent defense. A key ruling, Gideon v. Wainwright, extended this protection to state courts, requiring the appointment of counsel for indigent defendants in criminal cases. The other amendments address different protections—unreasonable searches and seizures (Fourth), protection against self-incrimination and due process (Fifth), and bans on cruel or unusual punishment (Eighth)—but none specifically establishes the right to counsel, making the Sixth Amendment the source of this protection.