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Article Excerpt
"The poor man charged with crime has no lobby. Ensuring fairness and equal treatment in criminal trials is the responsibility of us all."
Attorney General Robert Kennedy
In Panama City in 1961--for the burglary of 12 bottles of Coca Cola, 12 cans of beer, four fifths of whiskey, and about $65 in change from the cigarette machine and jukebox of the Bay Harbor Poolroom--Clarence Earl Gideon, a penniless drifter too poor to hire a lawyer, asked that the state appoint counsel for him. His request was denied. On March 18, 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear Gideon's case and ruled that a state must provide legal counsel to anyone charged with a felony who cannot afford a lawyer.
Gideon's trial in Florida began on August 4, 1961.
The Court (Judge Robert L. McCrary, Jr.): The next case on the docket is the case of State of Florida, Plaintiff, versus Clarence Earl Gideon, Defendant. What says the State, are you ready to go to trial in this case?
Mr. Harris (William E. Harris, Assistant State Attorney): The State is ready, your Honor.
The Court: What says the Defendant? Are you ready to go to trial?
The Defendant: I am not ready, your Honor.
The Court: Did you plead not guilty to...
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