Gideon's trumpet
Publisher: Random House
Published: 1964
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 262
Subjects: Gideon, Clarence Earl.
Description: This is a true story about Clarence Earl Gideon, a semi-literate drifter, who is arrested for breaking into a pool room and for petty theft. When he asks the court to appoint a lawyer for his defense because he cannot afford one, his request is denied. Acting as his own lawyer, Gideon is convicted and sent to jail. While in prison, he begins a hand-written campaign directed to the U.S. Supreme Court, contending that every defendant is entitled to legal representation. The Court agrees to hear Gideon's case, and, in a landmark decision, rules in his favor. Gideon is given a new trial and is found innocent and U.S. legal history is changed forever.
Notes: Bibliographic references included in "Notes" (p. [239]-252. "Suggested readings": p. [253]-256.