What are the rights of a defendant in a criminal trial?

In Massachusetts, defendants in a criminal trial have certain rights that aim to protect the individual from wrongful convictions. The first right is the right to remain silent. This means that anything said by the defendant during the trial or during police questioning cannot be used against the defendant in court. The second right is the right to an attorney. This means that the defendant is entitled to have a lawyer present during questioning and throughout the trial. The attorney will help the defendant understand their rights and present a defense. The third right is the right to a trial by jury. This means that the jury will decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. Lastly, the defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence. This means that the defendant is considered innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt. This is a high burden of proof that must be met in order for the jury to convict the defendant. These rights are essential in order to ensure that all individuals have a fair trial and are not wrongfully convicted.

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