I am reading a book called Gideon's Trumpet. It is a nonfiction book about a man named Clarence Earl Gideon. In the 1960s, he was found guilty of theft and he went to prison. He did not believe this was just, because during his trial he had not had help from a lawyer. He was too poor to hire a lawyer, but he believed that if a lawyer had assisted him, he would have been able to prove that he was innocent. He said that if a person cannot afford a lawyer, the court should give that person a lawyer for free. He explained his beliefs to the Supreme Court, the most important court in the United States. They said he was right. Now all people have the right to a lawyer, if they are accused of a crime, no matter how much money they have. This book is fascinating. Do you think Gideon was right? Do you think everyone should have the right to a lawyer? -Mr. Zahnd
 |
| This is a picture of Clarence Earl Gideon. |
I admire his determination. It must have taken Mr. Gideon a long time and a lot of work to get his case to the Supreme Court. It was worth it because he changed the law.
ReplyDeletePZ
The right to legal representation in a criminal proceeding should be available to all Americans and Mr. Gideon insured that right for everyone
ReplyDelete