Opinion ID: 2588657
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 5

Heading: textual language/differences in the texts/structural differences

Text: [¶ 8] These three factors are intertwined. Juxtaposition of the emphasized phrases from the two constitutional provisions reveals that they are substantially similar in wording. Another similarity is that the right to counsel is one right among several others, those others also being substantially similar between the two constitutional provisions. A notable similarity is that the right to counsel exists under both constitutions in all criminal prosecutions. [¶ 9] One difference between the two provisions is that the right to counsel is the last right listed in the Sixth Amendment, while it is the first right listed in Wyo. Const. art. 1, § 10. The appellant contends that, by placing the right to counsel at the beginning of the provision, the framers of the Wyoming Constitution meant to give it special significance. He presents no authority for this proposition. We are not convinced that constitutional protections should be given different values or priorities based solely upon their placement in the document. Likewise, the slight textual differences between the Sixth Amendment and Wyo. Const. art. 1, § 10 demonstrate little. Vasquez, 990 P.2d at 485. In short, we cannot discern from the text or structure of Wyo. Const. art. 1, § 10 any intent to offer greater protection than the Sixth Amendment.