What constitutional provision guarantees a defendant the right to a speedy trial?

The guarantee of a defendant's right to a speedy trial is enshrined in the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This amendment is part of the Bill of Rights and specifically provides several protections related to criminal prosecutions, including the right to a speedy trial, an impartial jury, and the right to confront witnesses. The intention behind the Speedy Trial clause is to prevent undue delays in the judicial process, which could harm the defendant's case and undermine the integrity of the legal system.

In contrast, the Fifth Amendment provides protections related to due process, self-incrimination, and double jeopardy, but does not specifically address the right to a speedy trial. The Fourth Amendment focuses on protecting individuals from unreasonable searches and seizures, and the First Amendment deals with the freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly, and petition. None of these amendments relate directly to the necessity of a timely trial for defendants facing criminal charges.