Gideon v. Wainwright

The Court held that states must provide counsel to indigent criminal defendants facing felony charges.

Overview

Clarence Earl Gideon, tried for breaking into a Florida poolroom, was denied a court-appointed lawyer because Florida appointed counsel only in capital cases, and he conducted his own defense. Writing in pencil from prison, he petitioned the Supreme Court, which appointed Abe Fortas to represent him. The Court held unanimously that the Sixth Amendment right to counsel is fundamental and obligatory on the states, overruling Betts v. Brady. Gideon was retried with counsel and acquitted. The decision created the public defender system across the nation and stands as a pillar of American justice.