Gideon's Trumpet Quiz

Clarence Gideon was originally charged with:

breaking and entering

Why did Gideon represent himself at trial?

He could not afford one and the court denied appointment

The trial judge denied Gideon a lawyer based on which Supreme Court precedent?

Betts v. Brady

Gideon’s appeal relied primarily on which constitutional amendment?

sixth amendment

Gideon submitted his appeal to the Supreme Court while

In state prison

Why did the Supreme Court agree to hear Gideon’s case?

The constitutional issue affected many defendants

Who was appointed to represent Gideon before the Supreme Court?

Abe Fortas

Florida argued that the right to counsel should

Be optional for states

The Supreme Court’s decision required states to provide lawyers in

Felony criminal cases only

The Supreme Court vote in Gideon v. Wainwright was

9-0

 Gideon v. Wainwright overturned which case? 

Betts v. Brady

The legal principle that applied the Sixth Amendment to the states is known as

Selective incorporation

After the Supreme Court ruling, Gideon

Recieved a new trial

With legal counsel, Gideon was

Acquitted

Gideon’s handwritten appeal demonstrates the importance of

Access to the courts

The movie’s title refers to

A biblical symbol of a small voice creating great change

Gideon’s original trial best illustrates which problem?

Unequal access to justice

The Florida prison system estimated that how many inmates had been tried without counsel?

About 4,000

Which constitutional principle is MOST strengthened by the Court’s ruling?

Due process of law

The overall significance of Gideon’s case is that it

Expanded civil liberties nationwide

How did Gideon request a lawyer, and how did the trial judge respond?

He verbally asked and was denied because it is only allowed in capital cases

What does Gideon's case suggest about the Supreme Court's case selection?

The court takes cases with national constitutional importance.

How does Gideon's case raise constitutional questions beyond his individual situation?

It impacts fairness and due process for all criminal defendants.

What argument does Gideon's attorney make regarding the right to counsel?

A fair trial is impossible without legal counsel.

How does the state of Florida defend its position during oral arguments?

That states should decide when lawyers are required.

How does incorporation through the 14th Amendment factor into the ruling?

The 6th amendment is incorporated through the 14th amendment.

What changes in Gideon's retrial once he has legal representation?

Gideon is acquitted, showing the impact of legal representation.

Why is Gideon v. Wainwright considered a landmark Supreme Court case?

It appoints a lawyer for all those who can't afford one.

How does this case demonstrate the Supreme Court's role in protecting individual rights from state governments?

By using selective incorporation and judicial review.

In what way did the Court's decision expand federal power?

By making the 6th amendment a requirement applicable in court.

What might the criminal justice system look like today if Gideon had lost his case?

Some people may not have a lawyer and have to represent themselves.

How does Gideon's story illustrate the balance between individual rights and government authority?

If you want something badly enough, you can work hard to get it.