+
Article
US Department of State

America.gov: The Right to Legal Counsel: The Gideon v. Wainwright Decision

For Students 9th - 10th
This article provides an overview of the right to legal representation for the poor and Chief Justice Black's opinion in the precedent-setting case.
+
Unit Plan
CPALMS

Florida State University Cpalms: Florida Students: The Supreme Court in Action

For Students 11th
This tutorial looks at eight famous cases that were heard in the Supreme Court in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s. It examines each case, the results, and the ramifications of each decision. A PDF file of the tutorial is available.
+
Primary
Cornell University

Cornell University: Law School: Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

For Students 9th - 10th
Provides a syllabus for the landmark Supreme Court case of Gideon v. Wainwright which held that state courts are required to provide counsel in criminal cases for defendants unable to afford their own attorneys or lawyers.
+
Lesson Plan
iCivics

I Civics: Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

For Teachers 9th - 10th
This mini-lesson plan covers the basics of the Supreme Court's decision that gave defendants in state criminal courts the right to a lawyer. Students learn about the 6th Amendment right to a lawyer, why the right is important, and how...
+
Activity
Illinois Institute of Technology

The Oyez Project: Gideon v. Wainwright

For Students 9th - 10th
Includes hours of oral arguments on Real Audio, a link to case opinions, an abstract summary, and notes about the vote of each justice on the Gideon v. Wainwright decision. The 'Case Basics' links have documents and more information from...