I was involved in a Small Claims case. The plaintiff added criminal terms to the wording of the action, but sent employees to appear. Can I appeal the decision based on my Sixth Amendment right to face my accuser?

Answer by  malone (4817)

Small Claims actions rarely involve an attorney. The individual bringing the case must appear, state the case and present evidence; an attorney may represent, not an employee unrelated to the case. Small Claims is a civil, not criminal, court. 6th Amendment applies to criminal, not civil, proceedings.

Answer by  LawGuy (11)

Only the government has the right to level criminal charges, a private plaintiff has no authority to do so and Constitutional rights relating to criminal actions are not applicable here.

Answer by  prissymissy (1895)

No you cannot appeal based on that reason. You already faced your accuser, which would be the plaintiff. If the employees were bringing the suit then you could appeal but the sixth amendment does not apply in this case.