Case Law Index
federal1963
Additional Highlights:Sixth AmendmentRight to CounselCriminal Procedure
Gideon v. Wainwright
United States Supreme Court
Key Holding
The Sixth Amendment's right to counsel applies to state criminal proceedings through the Fourteenth Amendment; states must provide counsel to defendants who cannot afford an attorney.
Case Summary
Gideon v. Wainwright unanimously held that the right to counsel guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment is a fundamental right applicable to state courts, requiring states to provide attorneys to defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford representation.