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Short Summary: Clarence Earl Gideon was charged in Florida state court on a felony - breaking and entering charge. During his trial, Gideon requested that he receive a court-appointed lawyer; however, in accordance with Florida State law, an indigent defendant could only have an attorney be appointed in capital crimes/cases. Gideon then filed a habeas corpus suit, stating that the court’s decision violated his rights to be represented.
Constitutional Issue: The constitutional issue in this case involved the Sixth Amendment and whether the right to counsel guaranteed in this amendment also applied to felony defendants in state court.
Holding and Constitutional Principle: The holding was that the Sixth Amendment’s right to counsel applies to state court defendants via the Fourteenth Amendment. The Court stated that because the right of counsel is fundamental, it should be incorporated into the states.
How did the balance of power between national and state governments change based on interpretations in Gideon v. Wainwright?
Strengthened the authority of the federal government relative to the states, particularly in the realm of criminal justice and the protection of individual rights. Expanded federal constitutional protections, federal intervention in state criminal justice systems, equalization of legal resources, and federalization of criminal procedure.
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