Gideon va. Wainwright (1963)
Background and Details
Gideon was charged with a felony for breaking and entering in Florida. He did not have the funds to pay for a lawyer, and requested a court appointed attorney to represent him, but was denied. The court argued that it was only to appoint attorneys and counsel in capital cases. Gideon was sentenced to five years in prison.
Decision
9 votes for Gideon, 0 against. Denying the right to a fair trial and due process of law violated the 6th Amendment.
Precedent
The right to cedcounsel and an attorney are essential to a fair trial and due process of law, which should be provided to all criminals, not just in capital cases.
Gideon was charged with a felony for breaking and entering in Florida. He did not have the funds to pay for a lawyer, and requested a court appointed attorney to represent him, but was denied. The court argued that it was only to appoint attorneys and counsel in capital cases. Gideon was sentenced to five years in prison.
Decision
9 votes for Gideon, 0 against. Denying the right to a fair trial and due process of law violated the 6th Amendment.
Precedent
The right to cedcounsel and an attorney are essential to a fair trial and due process of law, which should be provided to all criminals, not just in capital cases.