Gideon's Self-Representation In Court Cases

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Clarence Earl Gideon spent much of his adult life spending time in and out of prisons for nonviolent crimes. He was charged with breaking and entering with the intent to commit a misdemeanor, which is a felony under Florida law. Gideon appeared in trial without an attorney because he could not afford one. Gideon requested to appoint counsel for him but was denied because Florida law only permitted appointment of counsel for poor defendants charged with capital offenses. At trial Gideon cross examined the prosecutions witnesses, presented witnesses in his own defense, declined to testify himself, and made arguments supporting his innocence. Although he provided the best case in his defense , the jury found him guilty and sentenced him five years in prison. Earlier in the courts Betts v. Brady, 316 U.S. 455 (1942), a case where an …show more content…
It is not recommended to represent yourself while being tried for a criminal offense. There are certain basics to cross examining a witness and not just winging it , in hopes your helping yourself. Sometimes I think people hang themselves with their own statements on the record. People may know the law but it doesn't mean they understand it. I feel as though Gideon did know the laws and meanings behind them , he still had been denied and found guilty due to the fact when their is a lawyer present , the courts have more respect. They have more faith in the lawyer fighting the case rather than the defendant representing themselves. Poverty playing a huge role during this time and still today can have a greater affect on an individual as well. Legal assistance in criminal trials was once a privilege of wealth, Gideon v. Wainwright now assures those without means that they will not be deprived of counsel simply because of their poverty. The Sixth Amendment states that in all criminal trials, the accused has the right to have the assistance of counsel for his
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