gideon vs. wainwright
Background
Gideon was charged by a Florida Court for breaking and entering. Gideon though couldn't afford a lawyer to help him prepare for the trial. Gideon then asked the court if they could help him get a laywer, but they refused becuase the punishment if he was found guilty was only jail time, not the death sentence. So since his life is not on the line they can't appoint an attorney for him. So Gideon defended himself, was found guilty and sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Constitutional Question
Was Gideon defending himself in violation of his right to a fair trial and due process? is this in violation of the 6th and 14th Amendment? Because everyone has the right to an attorney.
Lasting Effect
In a 9 to 0 vote in favor of Gideon, they said he was a right to be represented by an attorney. This decision overturned the 1942 case Betts vs. Brady. Becuase in the decision of that case they said that in a criminal court attorneys are needed, it isn't optional.
Gideon was charged by a Florida Court for breaking and entering. Gideon though couldn't afford a lawyer to help him prepare for the trial. Gideon then asked the court if they could help him get a laywer, but they refused becuase the punishment if he was found guilty was only jail time, not the death sentence. So since his life is not on the line they can't appoint an attorney for him. So Gideon defended himself, was found guilty and sentenced to 5 years in prison.
Constitutional Question
Was Gideon defending himself in violation of his right to a fair trial and due process? is this in violation of the 6th and 14th Amendment? Because everyone has the right to an attorney.
Lasting Effect
In a 9 to 0 vote in favor of Gideon, they said he was a right to be represented by an attorney. This decision overturned the 1942 case Betts vs. Brady. Becuase in the decision of that case they said that in a criminal court attorneys are needed, it isn't optional.