Legal System: Gideon Vs. Wainwright

Words: 218
Pages: 1

"Gideon’s Trumpet" explains how the American legal system, the Supreme Court, and our constitutional rights are all connected through Clarence Earl Gideon's story. The film shows the challenges regular people face in getting a lawyer and defending their rights. Through Gideon's experience, the inequalities within the legal system were shown. It was made clear that unwealthy people, were at a disadvantage and showed the need for fair treatment and access to justice for all people. As Gideon takes his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, the justices consider Gideon's situation, understanding its importance for constitutional rights. In their decision in Gideon v. Wainwright, the Court established the right to have a lawyer. This means that everyone,