Gideon v. Wainwright

Issue Before the Supreme Court

• 52 year old Clarence Earl Gideon serves 5 years after being charged w/ B&E
• unable to afford an attorney so demanded that the court appoint him one
• court denies requests, state law only appoints lawyers on cases w/ felonies
• Gideon is forced to conduct his own case
• found guilty and is imprisoned

Steps Leading to Supreme Court

• While in prison Gideon wrote an appeal for a writ of habeas corpus
• Claimed the court's denial to appoint an attorney violated constitutional
• rights under the Sixth and Fourth Amendments
• Court issues writ of certiorari to Florida courts, requesting case records

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