Learning Objectives: 1) Examine judicial opinions and 2) Summarize publication of cases, the elements of a typical court case, and the types of opinions written by judges.

Point Value: 2 points

Posted under Week 4’s Required Resources, you will find the United States Supreme Court (“US Supreme Court”) decision in the landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright.

The case of Gideon v. Wainwright (Links to an external site.)

https://www.law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/372/…

After carefully reviewing Gideon, please answer the following questions:

1. In reviewing the US Supreme Court case of Gideon v. Wainwright, the Court believed that Mr. Gideon was not able to adequately serve as his own attorney. What information outlined in the Gideon case supports this belief? (1/4 point)
2. Did the Gideon decision rule out the ability for an individual to represent himself or herself in a criminal case? (1/4 point)
3. In deciding Gideon, the US Supreme Court overruled Betts v. Brady. What motivated the US Supreme Court to overrule Betts? (1/4 point)
4. Under Gideon, the US Supreme Court ruled that if a criminal defendant is too poor to hire an attorney in a criminal case, a trial court would be required to appoint the defendant an attorney. What was the basis of the US Supreme Court in making this decision in Gideon? (1/4 point)