Use this collection of over 60 primary documents to trace the evolution of trial rights from English and colonial beginnings to our contemporary understanding of their meaning. Court cases and other documents bring to life the controversies that have historically surrounded the rights of those who have been accused in the American legal system. Explanatory introductions to documents aid users in understanding the various arguments put forth and the context in which the document was written, while illuminating the significance of each document.

Students will be able to trace how the expansion of trial rights is directly correlated to historical events and social concerns. Documents are arranged chronologically to provide readers with a clear view of the long convoluted history of these rights in our country and to clearly illustrate how trial rights have grown over time to provide more protection for a growing number of individuals. A general introduction to the volume further explores the history of the concept of trial rights to provide a complete reference resource to complicated issues.