Which case ruled that a defendant has a right to an attorney?

• A. Plessey v. Ferguson
• B. Miranda v. Arizona
• C. Gideon v. Wainwright
• D. United States v. Nixon

Answer: (C)

The case that established the right to an attorney for defendants is Gideon v. Wainwright. This landmark decision, issued by the Supreme Court in 1963, held that the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to counsel for defendants in state courts who cannot afford an attorney. The case centered around Clarence Earl Gideon, who was charged with a felony in a Florida state court. He could not afford legal representation and requested that the court appoint one for him. His request was denied based on state law at the time, which only provided for court-appointed counsel in capital cases.

The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that the right to counsel is a fundamental right essential to a fair trial. This decision reinforced the principle that the state has an obligation to provide legal representation to ensure fairness in the judicial process, thereby bridging the gap between the rights guaranteed under the Sixth Amendment and the actual accessibility of legal counsel for all defendants, regardless of their economic status. This case set a significant precedent in criminal law and reinforced the belief that justice should be accessible to all individuals, not merely those with financial means.