Gideon Vs. Florida Summary

Marc Morris

American Government- Dr. Powell

5/7/2008

Gideon vs. Florida Summary

The Gideon vs. Florida case was a very important case that occurred during 1961-1963. This was a landmark case in the United States as the Supreme Court unanimously ruled that state courts are required under the sixth amendment of the Constitution to provide counsel in criminal cases for defendants unable to afford their own attorneys. During the case, Clarence Earl Gideon, a fifty-year-old man, with a prior arrest record, was arrested in Panama City, Florida. He was charged with breaking into a pool hall. The things that were stolen were beer, coke, and change from a cigarette machine. Gideon claimed innocence. When his trial began he asked the court for court appointed counsel. He was denied the right because the state law only permits counsel in capital cases and for indigent defendants.

The trial continued. Gideon conducted his own defense his effort however, were ineffective. He did the best he could for someone who had no knowledge or experience. He made an opening statement to the jury, cross-examined the State's witnesses, presented witnesses in his own defense, declined to testify himself, and made a short argument "emphasizing his innocence to the charge contained in the information filed in this case." The jury the jury convicted Gideon and sent him to prison for five years. While in prison, Gideon studied law books. Gideon filed petion for Habeas Corpus in the Florida Supreme Court. Gideon?s petion was denied. Gideon then appealed to the United States Supreme Court in forma pauperis. The Supreme Court selected his case to be his decision had many complications.