Which amendment's right to counsel applies after formal charges?

The correct answer is C, as the 6th Amendment specifically guarantees the right to counsel after formal charges have been made against an individual. This means that once a person is charged with a crime, they have the right to have legal representation during critical stages of the judicial process. The intent of this amendment is to ensure that defendants have access to legal advice and advocacy, which is crucial for a fair trial.

In contrast, the 4th Amendment primarily deals with protection against unreasonable searches and seizures and does not pertain to the right to counsel. The 5th Amendment, while it includes the right against self-incrimination and the right to due process, does not specifically address the right to counsel after charges have been filed. The 8th Amendment focuses on protection against excessive bail and cruel and unusual punishment, and similarly does not encompass the right to legal representation. This distinction highlights the specific role the 6th Amendment plays in ensuring a fair trial process by affirming the right to counsel once an individual faces formal legal charges.