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It is decided by the Supreme Court that in the Powell v Alabama case, the defendants were not provided with legal counsel which was a violation of their constitutional rights.
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Clarence Earl GIdeon is arrested in Florida.
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Gideon is denied legal counsel for his trial which requires him to represent himself. He ends up being convicted of felony breaking and entering and misdemeanor theft.
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Gideon writes to the Supreme Court a petition for certiorari for them to consider his case. The Supreme Court then sends this petition down to Florida courts for their input.
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Gideon’s certiorari gets granted and the Supreme Court agrees to hear his case.
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The case takes place, with a two and a half hour argument between both sides of counsel.
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It is decided that legal counsel is a fundamental part of the legal process and essential to have a fair trial, so Gideon’s original conviction is reversed.
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Gideon’s second trial takes place, this time with an appointed lawyer to defend him, and he is found not guilty.
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The president signs the Criminal Justice Act, providing funding for attorneys in federal cases which ensures everyone will have a right to a fair trial. It is estimated that around 2000 inmates were released from Florida prisons after the Supreme Court’s decision.