Gideon v. Wainwright

Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) was a landmark Supreme Court case that established the right to free legal counsel for defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford an attorney. Clarence Earl Gideon was charged with a felony but could not afford a lawyer. He represented himself at trial and was convicted. Gideon appealed to the Supreme Court, which unanimously ruled that the Sixth Amendment, guaranteeing the right to counsel, applies to state courts. This decision ensured that everyone has access to legal representation, upholding the principle of fair trial rights regardless of economic status.