Final answer:
Increased legal funding refers to additional financial resources allocated to the legal system to provide free legal representation for those who cannot afford an attorney, as required by the 14th Amendment and the Gideon v. Wainwright ruling, ensuring the right to a fair trial regardless of economic status.
Step-by-step explanation:
Increased legal funding refers to the allocation of more financial resources towards the legal system, particularly regarding the provision of legal representation for those unable to afford it. Under the 14th Amendment, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that states are required to provide an attorney at no charge to anyone accused of a crime, ensuring their right to a fair trial. This decision, notably through the landmark case Gideon v. Wainwright, necessitates sufficient funding for the creation and support of public defender offices, impacting the operation of the justice system and promoting equality in legal representation.
The Gideon ruling led to a need for more professional public defenders, causing a significant impact on government budgets. Consequently, securing adequate funding became essential for the execution of this mandate, to ensure all citizens, irrespective of their economic status, have access to justice. Thus, when speaking of increased legal funding, it is often in the context of supporting this right to counsel for the accused, covering the expenses of public defenders or pro bono services offered by private attorneys.