Rights of the accused; trial by jury
Official text rightpowerlimitif conditionlegal term
No subject shall be held to answer for any crimes or offence, until the same is fully and plainly, substantially and formally, described to him; or be compelled to accuse, or furnish evidence against himself. And every subject shall have a right to produce all proofs, that may be favorable to him; to meet the witnesses against him face to face, and to be fully heard in his defense by himself, or his council at his election. And no subject shall be arrested, imprisoned, despoiled, or deprived of his property, immunities, or privileges, put out of the protection of the law, exiled, or deprived of his life, liberty, or estate, but by the judgment of his peers, or the law of the land.
And the legislature shall not make any law, that shall subject any person to a capital or infamous punishment, excepting for the government of the army and navy, without trial by jury.
Note (Massachusetts Legislature): [See Amendments, Art. XLVIII, The Initiative, II, sec. 2.]
Simplified explanation
No subject shall answer for a crime until it is fully described to him, or be compelled to accuse himself. He may produce favorable proofs, meet witnesses face to face and be fully heard. No one may be deprived of life, liberty or property but by judgment of his peers or the law of the land.