7 of 79

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

Court's interest in this case was to review Florida's interpretation of law relating to court appointed attorneys for criminal defendants.

Gideon prevailed and won the right to a new trial with a lawyer. The Supreme Court's decision was based on the 14th Amendment, which provides "that the states cannot deprive any person of liberty without due process of law-that is, without ensuring certain standards and fairness." When Gideon argued his Sixth Amendment "the right to assistance of legal counsel, he did not know this Amendment only applies explicitly to defendants who are charged with crimes under federal law, such as treason. Gideon was successful in proving his innocents with the help of his court appointed lawyer Abe Fortas who was later appointed by President Lyndon B. Johnson to serve on the Supreme Court.

The decision of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) changed criminal law in the United States, similar cases such as Betts v. Brady (1944) was overturned by the Supreme Court. In additional some states now have a staff of attorneys known as public defenders who provide legal counsel to defendants in criminal case. Often it takes people like Gideon to grab the attention of the Supreme Court ensuring justice is served and in doing so initiating critical changes in how the interpretation law is applied in relation to the Constitution of the United States thus preserving the American justice system.

Reference:

Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963)

Finkelman, Paul. "Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)" Redmond, WA: Microsoft Corporation (2008)

Bryan A. Garner, (2004). Black's Law Dictionary (8th ed.).West: A Thomson Business

Learn more about this author, Suzanne Mathews.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about Critique of America's justice system?
We want to hear your view. Write now!