Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) - A Game Changer for Legal Help

Gideon v. Wainwright is an important Supreme Court case that helped many people get legal help. The decision said that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to a lawyer for people in state courts who can’t pay for one.

Why This Case Matters:

1. Understanding the Law:

   • The ruling showed that having a lawyer is a key part of having a fair trial.

2. Changes in the Court System:

   • Before Gideon, only about 20 out of 100 people in state courts had a lawyer to help them.
   • After this decision, more than 80 out of 100 people in serious criminal cases now get a public defender.

3. Wider Effects:

   • This case made the public defense system stronger, showing that we need enough money and resources for it to work well.
   • It also set the stage for future cases about the rights of people accused of crimes, making sure fair trials are a priority.

In short, Gideon v. Wainwright has been a key case in making sure everyone can get legal help, no matter how much money they have.