Vicinage Clause

Vicinage Clause is a provision in the United States Constitution that guarantees a criminal defendant the right to be tried by a jury from the locality, or vicinage, where the crime occurred. This clause is found in the Sixth Amendment and is a fundamental part of the United States Bill of Rights.

History

The Vicinage Clause has its roots in English common law, where it was established to protect defendants from potential bias in distant courts. The concept was brought to the American colonies and was incorporated into the Constitution after the American Revolution.

Interpretation

The interpretation of the Vicinage Clause has been a subject of debate among legal scholars and courts. Some interpret it to mean that a defendant has the right to a jury drawn from the federal district in which the crime was committed, while others believe it guarantees a jury from the county or other smaller geographical area where the crime occurred.

Application

The Vicinage Clause applies to all federal criminal trials. However, its application in state trials is less clear. The Supreme Court of the United States has held that the Vicinage Clause does not apply to the states through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.

Impact

The Vicinage Clause has had a significant impact on the American legal system. It has been invoked in numerous court cases and has played a role in shaping the rules for jury selection in criminal trials.

See also

• Jury trial
• Venue (law)
• Speedy Trial Clause
• Confrontation Clause
• Double Jeopardy Clause

‎