Question

The excerpt below is from a summary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963).

Which statement describes a long-term impact of this decision?


"The Court held that the Sixth Amendment’s guarantee of counsel is a fundamental right essential to a fair trial and, as such, applies to the states through the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment."

United States Courts, Facts and Case Summary: Gideon v. Wainwright

A
Criminal suspects are able to receive legal representation in court.

B
Lawyers are forced to provide their services for free.

C
Criminal suspects without counsel will request state over federal courts.

Answer 1

The correct answer is A) Criminal suspects are able to receive legal representation in court.

In the Gideon v. Wainwright case in 1963 was about Clarence Earl Gideon that was charged with a felony for burglarizing a pool hall. He requested a court-appointed attorney but it was denied, so he was unable to defend himself and was sentenced to five years in prison.

In this case, the Supreme Court decided that states should prove legal counsel to indigent defendants charged with a felony. The denial of an attorney violated the 14th Amendment which guarantees the due process.