Case Facts
What is the name of this Supreme Court case?
Gideon v. Wainwright
Why didn’t Gideon have a lawyer at his trial?
He couldn’t afford one
What constitutional concept is connected to this case?
Natural rights
Did the Supreme Court rule for Gideon or Florida?
Gideon
What major right did this case establish?
The right to a lawyer for all criminal defendants
What year was the case decided?
1963
Why did the judge refuse to give him a lawyer?
Florida law only gave lawyers for capital cases
Which amendment guarantees the right to a lawyer?
The Sixth Amendment
What was the vote of the Court?
9–0
Who benefits from this ruling?
People who cannot afford a lawyer
What was Clarence Gideon charged with?
Felony breaking and entering
What was Gideon forced to do at trial?
Represent himself
Which amendment applies that right to the states?
The Fourteenth Amendment
What did the Court say about the Sixth Amendment?
It guarantees the right to an attorney in criminal cases
What system expanded because of this case?
Public defender systems
What state did the case come from?
Florida
What was the result of his first trial?
He was convicted
What right was Gideon arguing had been denied?
The right to an attorney
What did the Court say states must do?
Provide a lawyer to defendants who cannot afford one
What does this case protect in court?
Fair trials
What did Gideon do from prison to challenge his conviction?
He handwritten a petition to the U.S. Supreme Court
What did Gideon argue in his petition?
That his constitutional rights were violated
What is the constitutional issue in this case?
Whether states must provide a lawyer to a defendant who cannot afford one
Why did the Court say lawyers are necessary?
To ensure a fair trial and protect liberty
What problem does this case prevent?
People being forced to defend themselves against trained prosecutors