Gideon v. Wainwright

(Pictured above: Gideon’s petition to the U.S. Supreme Court in regards to his Sixth Amendment Rights)

            Clarence Earl Gideon helped set a precedent in court cases with regards to the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.  Gideon was arrested for entering and breaking to commit a misdemeanor crime in Florida.  When tried in court, Gideon appeared to be without an attorney.  But, when Gideon asked the judge to appoint him counsel, the judge refused stating that Florida law only permitted people to be appointed counsel if they were poor and committing a capital crime.  Gideon decided that it would be right for him then, in this case, to defend himself and represent himself to the judge and jury.  Despite Gideon’s heroics in making statements and cross-examinations, the jury found Gideon Guilty.  Gideon did not believe that he was treated fairly in the decision because he was not appointed a counsel.  He filed a handwritten petition to the Supreme Court in regards to the question on whether or not the right to counsel was given by the Sixth Amendment.  Gideon’s civil rights were protected in the case.  The Supreme Court stated that the Sixth Amendment did in fact guarantee the right to counsel.  The Supreme Court overruled the past precedent case, Betts v. Brady, and set this as the ongoing precedent.  Clarence Earl Gideon’s actions have led to the fair treatment of many American citizens.  

"Facts and Case Summary - Gideon v. Wainwright." United States Courts. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Nov. 2016. <http://www.uscourts.gov/educational-resources/educational-activities/facts-and-case-summary-gideon-v-wainwright>.