Final answer:
Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black was a staunch defender of the right to free legal counsel (option d), particularly evidenced by his role in the Gideon v. Wainwright case, which mandated state courts to provide legal representation to felony defendants who couldn't afford an attorney.
Step-by-step explanation:
Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black focused on protecting the constitutional right to free legal counsel during his career, particularly in the landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963). This case challenged the extent to which an accused's right to have an attorney was upheld, especially for those who could not afford one. The Supreme Court ultimately decided that the Sixth Amendment required state courts to provide legal counsel to defendants facing felony criminal charges, regardless of their ability to pay, as part of the due process right to a fair trial. The decision overturned previous court rulings and signified a monumental change, affirming the importance of ensuring that all accused individuals have the necessary legal representation to secure a fair trial in both federal and state courts.
Related landmark cases like Escobedo v. Illinois (1964) and Miranda v. Arizona (1966) further solidified the rights of the accused to have access to legal counsel and to be informed of their rights during police interactions. These continue to shape the criminal justice system in the United States, emphasizing the protection of individual rights against the powers of the state.