6th Amendment

"Self Representation is Rarely Sought, Denied" Los Angeles Times
http://articles.latimes.com/2003/oct/22/nation/na-represent22

The 6th Amendment reads: "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence."

This article is about a man named John Allen Muhammad and his rare request. Muhammad was 1st denied his suggestion of serving as his own attorney. The 6th amendment provides criminal defendants the right to represent themselves in court. The article says that the judge would usually deny this rare request only if the judge has evidence to prove that the defendant would be disruptive, which in my opinion will only make the defendant look worse. I think that Muhammad should be granted this right. If he thinks that he has the ability to represent his self, they should let him. Although, he is giving up help he might need. Lawyers are trained for court and they understand a lot more than he does, unless he has court experience. He also probably chose this because he didn't have the money.