Gideon v Wainwright

Question 1

Facts of case

Answer 1

Clarence Earl Gideon was charged in Florida state court with felony breaking and entering. When he appeared in court without a lawyer, Gideon requested that the court appoint one for him. Gideon represented himself in trial. He was found guilty and sentenced to 5 years in prison. Gideon filed a habeas corpus petition in the Florida, arguing that the trial court’s decision violated his constitutional right to be represented by counsel. The Florida Supreme Court denied habeas corpus relief

Question 2

Holdings and rationale

Answer 2

Court unanimously ruled in favor of Gideon. Argued that 6th amendment’s provision for a lawyer does apply to the states via 14th amendments equal protection clause.

Question 3

Keywords

Answer 3

In 1963, the Sixth Amendment’s right to an attorney extends procedural due process protections to felony defendants in state courts.