In the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), the Court held that state criminal defendants have a right to an attorney when they are “unable to afford one” —even if the state or federal charge has no associated death penalty.
This decision effectively overturned the Supreme Court’s ruling in Betts v. Brady (1942), which held that the Due Process Clause of the U.S. Constitution requires appointed attorneys only in cases involving potential capital punishment.
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) remains an important step toward furthering equal access to justice for all individuals in the United States, regardless of their economic class. The decision has been cited by the Supreme Court on numerous occasions, including in the context of juvenile justice, civil commitment, and indigent defense. Its impact is felt every day by those who rely on the legal system for justice.
For example, Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) has been successfully invoked in cases to protect the rights of the homeless, individuals in immigration detention, and in the prosecution of those accused of drug offenses.
Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) continues to have lasting implications in today’s legal environment; as a society, we must continue to fight to ensure that individuals have equal access to justice and support regardless of their economic status.