Gideon v. Wainwright [1963]

372 U.S. 335 (1963) · Supreme Court of the United States · United States

criminal law and procedurecriminal law and procedureconstitutional law

Issue

Does the Sixth Amendment right to counsel apply to state felony prosecutions?

Held

Yes. Indigent felony defendants must receive appointed counsel.

Exam use

Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.

Summary

Core criminal procedure right-to-counsel case.

Facts

Clarence Gideon was denied appointed counsel for a felony trial in state court.

Issue

Does the Sixth Amendment right to counsel apply to state felony prosecutions?

Held

Yes. Indigent felony defendants must receive appointed counsel.

Ratio Decidendi

States must provide counsel to indigent defendants charged with serious crimes.

Reasoning

Counsel is fundamental to a fair trial and incorporated against the states.

Essay-Ready Explanation Generator

Version 1 of 4

Reference to Gideon v. Wainwright (372 U.S. 335 (1963)) strengthens a criminal law and procedure answer because the case reflects the principle that States must provide counsel to indigent defendants charged with serious crimes. Applied to a problem question, the case should be used after identifying the issue as Does the Sixth Amendment right to counsel apply to state felony prosecutions? The stronger essay move is to connect the material facts to the court's holding, then explain whether the present facts support the same conclusion or justify distinguishing the authority.

Significance

Core criminal procedure right-to-counsel case.

Related Cases

No related cases listed.

Exam Tips

Review the ratio and reasoning before applying this case in problem questions.

Revision Checklist

  • Name the issue before discussing facts so the marker sees the legal question immediately.
  • State the holding in one sentence, then use the ratio to explain why the court reached that result.
  • Use the citation and jurisdiction to show why this authority matters for the problem you are answering.
  • Pair this case with one supporting or contrasting authority if the question tests limits, policy, or exceptions.

Sources