Final answer:
In the case of Gideon v. Wainwright, the Supreme Court ruled that all defendants have the right to legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay. This ruling had a significant impact on the criminal court system.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 1963 that all defendants have the right to legal representation, regardless of their ability to pay. This overturned previous court decisions and established that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to an attorney for those facing felony criminal charges.
The actual impact of this case was significant, as it led to major changes in the criminal court system. Public defenders were established to provide legal representation to those who could not afford an attorney. The ruling has also resulted in a higher standard for the quality of legal representation and has ensured that defendants receive a fair trial.