Clarence Earl Gideon, arrested for breaking into Florida pool hall with the intention of burglarizing it. He lacked the funds required for hiring a lawyer to prepare his defense, so I had to face the Court himself. He requested the Court to appoint an attorney for him, however the Court refused, stating it was only permitted to appoint a counsel to the destitute defendants in capital cases. Left without the resources needed to give a successful argument; Gideon defended himself in trail and was convicted by jury and sentenced to five years in state prison. However the Court overruled Gideon’s case because of the Sixth Amendment, guaranteeing the right for a fair trial. Gideon successfully won the case because of the Courts unanimous decision. This video demonstrates Gideon’s defense in Court, for a better understanding of the case.
I believe every person that has to face prosecution should have the right for a fair trial. After this case, many states provided the right for an attorney for accused felons through statues. It demonstrates how the case would be without any equality. Gideon fought till the end with his case, making sure his voice and opinion was heard.
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