Final answer:
Jack has the right to an attorney under the Sixth Amendment, and if he cannot afford one, the court must provide one for him at no cost due to the Supreme Court's decision in Gideon v. Wainwright.
Step-by-step explanation:
If Jack cannot afford an attorney, the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution will help him. The Sixth Amendment guarantees that in all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall have the assistance of counsel for their defense. According to the landmark Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, this has been interpreted to mean that even those who cannot afford a lawyer are entitled to legal representation provided by the state. If one is charged with a serious crime and cannot afford an attorney, the court is required to appoint a public defender or other court-appointed counsel to represent them.
In the Gideon case, the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the right to a fair trial is compromised if the accused does not have legal representation. This decision extended the right of free legal assistance to anyone facing imprisonment. Therefore, if Jack is facing serious charges and cannot afford legal representation, he has the right to have an attorney appointed to him at no cost.