Final answer:
The original meaning of the 6th Amendment right to counsel ensured individuals the right to a defense attorney, which was later expanded by Gideon v. Wainwright to require states to provide attorneys to indigent felon defendants.
Step-by-step explanation:
The original meaning of the 6th Amendment right to counsel is that it guaranteed the right of the accused to have the assistance of an attorney in their defense, specifically in felony cases as well as for indigent defendants.
The 6th Amendment originally meant that individuals had the right to use a defense attorney, which gradually evolved to the point where the state is required to provide one for indigent defendants in felony cases.
At the time of its creation, the 6th Amendment primarily allowed those who could afford an attorney to secure legal representation for their defense. However, this right was not initially extended to all, particularly indigent defendants or those who were too poor to afford counsel. The seminal case of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) significantly expanded the understanding of this right. Clarence Earl Gideon, a poor man accused of felony theft, requested a lawyer as he could not afford one. His request was denied, leading to his conviction. He appealed to the Supreme Court, which unanimously ruled that the 6th Amendment requires states to provide legal representation to defendants in felony cases who cannot afford it, ensuring a fair trial. Consequently, the right to counsel is now understood as a constitutional protection that applies to all states and federal courts, ensuring that a defense attorney is provided to those unable to secure their own due to financial constraints.