Gideon vs. Wainwright (1963)
Details of the Case: Gideon was unable to hire a lawyer after convicted of breaking and entering. He asked for the court to provide an attorney and they declined. Gideon was forced to defend himself and was sentenced to five years in state prison.
Decision and Justification: 9 votes for Gideon, 0 against. The court decided that Gideon should have been provided an attorney for his defense. They decided that the 6th Amendment's guarantee of counsel was essential and that it should be made applicable to all states through the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause.
Lasting Effect: Everyone is provided an attorney, even if they cannot afford it. Without the assistance of counsel, the defendent's trial would not be fair.
Important Details: This decision overruled the Betts vs. Brady decision in 1942.
Decision and Justification: 9 votes for Gideon, 0 against. The court decided that Gideon should have been provided an attorney for his defense. They decided that the 6th Amendment's guarantee of counsel was essential and that it should be made applicable to all states through the 14th Amendment's Due Process Clause.
Lasting Effect: Everyone is provided an attorney, even if they cannot afford it. Without the assistance of counsel, the defendent's trial would not be fair.
Important Details: This decision overruled the Betts vs. Brady decision in 1942.