Clarence Earl Gideon was charged in a Florida state court with breaking and entering into a poolroom with the intent to commit a misdemeanor. Such an offense was a felony under Florida law. When Gideon appeared before the state Court he informed the court that he was indigent and requested the Court appoint him an attorney, asserting that “the United States Supreme Court says I am entitled to be represented by counsel.” The Court informed Gideon that under Florida law only indigent clients charged with capital offenses are entitled to court appointed counsel. Gideon was senteced to 5 years in prison.Gideon filed a habeas corpus petition (or petition for release from unjust imprisonment) to the Florida Supreme Court, claiming that his conviction was unconstitutional because he lacked a defense attorney at trial. After the Florida Supreme Court denied his petition, Gideon appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, which reviewed his case in 1963.
The arguments of the Plantiff: Gideon said his trial was unfair because a lawyer was not appointed to him in his case.
The arguments of the Defendant: The court didn't have to appoint Gideon a lawyer because Florida State Law says that it only applies to people charged with a capital offense
Amendment the case focous on: This case was focoused on the sixth amendment which is the right that guarantees a citizen a speedy trial, a fair jury, an attorney if the accused person wants one.
Decision: The Supreme Court came to a unaimous decision in 1963 in favor of Gideon. Supreme Court said his trail was unconstitutional and every citizen can be appointed an attorney.
How this case has a lasting impact on the United Case: This case has a lasting impact on the United States because every person that goes to trail, gets a fair trial under the sixth amendment which states that anyone on trail the state must provide a lawyer for the defendant is they want one appointed to them.
The arguments of the Plantiff: Gideon said his trial was unfair because a lawyer was not appointed to him in his case.
The arguments of the Defendant: The court didn't have to appoint Gideon a lawyer because Florida State Law says that it only applies to people charged with a capital offense
Amendment the case focous on: This case was focoused on the sixth amendment which is the right that guarantees a citizen a speedy trial, a fair jury, an attorney if the accused person wants one.
Decision: The Supreme Court came to a unaimous decision in 1963 in favor of Gideon. Supreme Court said his trail was unconstitutional and every citizen can be appointed an attorney.
How this case has a lasting impact on the United Case: This case has a lasting impact on the United States because every person that goes to trail, gets a fair trial under the sixth amendment which states that anyone on trail the state must provide a lawyer for the defendant is they want one appointed to them.