Which right ensures a defendant can confront witnesses against them?

The right that ensures a defendant can confront witnesses against them is a fundamental aspect of the legal process and is guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. This right is crucial for a fair trial, as it allows the defendant to challenge the evidence presented against them, question the credibility of witnesses, and promote transparency in the judicial proceedings. It serves to protect the defendant from unsubstantiated claims and contributes to the overall integrity of the justice system by allowing the accused to directly face their accusers.

The other options, while important rights in the context of a fair trial, do not specifically pertain to the ability to confront witnesses. The right to a public trial emphasizes transparency in judicial proceedings but does not directly involve witness confrontation. The right to an attorney ensures legal representation but does not specifically enable confrontation of witnesses. The right to an impartial jury focuses on the fairness of the jury's decision-making rather than the defendant's interaction with witnesses. Therefore, the right to confront witnesses stands as the essential safeguard within this context.