America has seen a fair share of changes throughout history, one of which is the story of Clarence Earl Gideon. Gideon Petitioned the Supreme Court of the United States of America for a writ of certiorari, founded in his belief that he, a poor man, should have the right to an attorney after he was convicted of robbing a pool house in the early 1960’s. Despite originally being found guilty, Gideon was determined to appeal to the courts and gain his freedom under the premise that his right to due process of law was violated. He created a movement in history that led to the establishment of universal right to counsel within the United States legal system. After a tedious case, that did not look as though it would bode well for Gideon, he was successful in persuading the Supreme Court to accept his appeal. …show more content…
Brady precedent. Gideon, argued that the court’s refusal to provide him a lawyer at the time of his trial violated the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment. After the trial, the court did change their mind. In Gideon v. Wainwright, the Supreme Court ruled in Gideon’s favor, overturned the Betts v. Brady precedent, and said that all states must provide defense attorneys to criminal defendants who cannot afford them. The Court’s milestone decision to accept Gideon’s appeal and ultimately rule in his favor was influenced by several important factors, including the Powell v. Alabama precedent, the growing desire to overturn the controversial Betts v. Brady decision, and the skillfulness and preparation of Gideon’s lawyer, Abe