Question

In the 1963 case Gideon v. Wainwright, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of the defendant, Clarence Earl Gideon. They ruled that because he was indigent, the court was required to pay for a lawyer to defend him. What constitutional right did this confirm?

The Sixth Amendment right to a speedy and public trial.
The First Amendment right to free speech.
The Fifth Amendment right to due process.
The Sixth Amendment right to assistance of counsel.

Answer 1

The U.S. Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright confirmed the Sixth Amendment right to assistance of counsel, ensuring that indigent defendants receive legal representation at state expense for a fair trial.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the 1963 case Gideon v. Wainwright, the U.S. Supreme Court confirmed the Sixth Amendment right to assistance of counsel. This landmark decision established that states are required to provide legal representation to defendants who are unable to afford an attorney, ensuring their right to a fair trial. It recognized that for a trial to be fair, the defendant must have the means to mount an effective defense, leading to the requirement that state courts appoint attorneys for indigent defendants facing felony charges.

Following this decision, the Court extended the ruling to cover any case where the accused could face a potential loss of liberty. The ruling emphasized that the right to counsel is essential for the protection of fundamental rights under the 14th Amendment, and subsequent cases have further interpreted this right to include competent legal representation.

Answer 2

While these all relate to his case, the answer is D. The 6th amendment