The conversation below occurred in a courtroom in Panama City, Florida, and led to the 1963 U.S. Supreme Court caseGideon v. Wainwright.

THE COURT: Mr. Gideon, I am sorry, but I cannot appoint Counsel to represent you in this case. Under the laws of the State of Florida, the only time the Court can appoint Counsel to represent a Defendant is when that person is charged with a capital offense. I am sorry, but I will have to deny your request to appoint Counsel to defend you in this case.

THE DEFENDANT: The United States Supreme Court says I am entitled to be represented by Counsel.

What is as a result of Gideon v. Wainwright? which sentence is correct?


Defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford counsel are required to defend themselves in court.

Judges are able to decide whether or not to provide counsel for defendants charged with capital offenses.

Counsel is provided for all defendants in criminal cases who are unable to afford their own attorneys.

The U.S. Supreme Court is no longer legally allowed to make decisions regarding counsel for defendants.