What does the Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright establish?

The Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright, decided in 1963, established that every felony defendant has the right to be provided with an attorney at no cost if they cannot afford one. This landmark ruling was based on the principle that the right to counsel is a fundamental right essential for a fair trial, as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution. The case arose when Clarence Earl Gideon was charged with a felony in Florida and could not afford to hire a lawyer. He represented himself at trial and was convicted, leading him to appeal his case to the Supreme Court, which unanimously ruled that the right to counsel is a fundamental aspect of due process.

This decision ensured that the legal system provides representation for defendants who are unable to secure a lawyer due to financial constraints, thereby reinforcing the principles of justice and equality under the law. It effectively extended the right to counsel to state courts, not just federal courts, and marked a significant step in the protection of individual rights within the American legal system.