This 1963 case is a benchmark in criminal justice. Gideon successfully challenged the State of Florida in a battle over whether or not he was entitled to a court-appointed attorney. The issue here is whether the trial and conviction of Gideon violated his rights under the Fourteenth Amendment. Gideon requested a court-appointed attorney. The Court denied his request. He defended himself on charges of breaking and entering a poolroom. A jury found him guilty. Gideon appealed based on the Court's denial of his request for court-appointed counsel. The Florida State Supreme Court upheld the lower court's decision. The United States Supreme Court reversed the Florida Supreme Court and in the process overruled Betts v. Brady. The Court followed Powell v. Alabama and held that the right to counsel is fundamental and essential to a fair trial.
1. Why didn't the original trial court appoint a lawyer for Mr. Gideon?
2. Why was the Betts case overruled?