Gideon v. Wainwright 1963
Background: Clarence Earl Gideon was charged in Florida with a felony, breaking into a poolroom with the intent of committing a misdemeanor offense, and when he appeared in court he did so without a lawyer. He requested the Court appoint him a lawyer but was denied: according to Florida state law an attorney may only be appointed to an indignant defendant in capital cases. He was sentenced to 5 years in prison, and filed a habeas corpus petition with the Florida Supreme Court, claiming that his right to consul guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment was violated by the Florida State Law. The Florida Supreme Court denied habeas corpus relief.
Issue: Did the Sixth Amendment's right to counsel in criminal cases extend to felony defendants in state courts?
Ruling/Impact: The Court ruled that this right did indeed extend to felony defendants in state courts, claiming that the constitution placed a high values on the rights of the accused having a proper defense in Court, and the state and federal governments must respect that right. The Court also held that it was required of state courts to appoint attorneys for defendants who could not afford to retain counsel on their own.
Issue: Did the Sixth Amendment's right to counsel in criminal cases extend to felony defendants in state courts?
Ruling/Impact: The Court ruled that this right did indeed extend to felony defendants in state courts, claiming that the constitution placed a high values on the rights of the accused having a proper defense in Court, and the state and federal governments must respect that right. The Court also held that it was required of state courts to appoint attorneys for defendants who could not afford to retain counsel on their own.