Gideon V. Wainwright

In Florida in 1963, Clarence Earl Gideon was arrested for breaking into a pool hall with the intent to burglarize it. He wanted a court appointed attorney, but was refused because the crime was not considered a capital offense. Gideon, under his own defense, pleaded not guilty but was found guilty. Later, from prison, Gideon asked to appeal his case with a petition called "in forma pauperis" and the court accepted the appeal and appointed him an attorney. Gideon took the case to the Supreme Court. The court ruled in favor of Gideon and overturned the previous decision Betts V. Brady. I agree with this decision because everyone has the right to an attorney. The court said that even though the defense may be able to prepare a perfect argument, their right to an attorney is sustained. This case was monumental in establishing the right to an attorney and the 14th Amendment.


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