Why was Gideon v. Wainwright so important?

Gideon v. Wainwright case?

• In the case of Gideon v. Wainwright what was the precedent that the supreme court set? who has to follow the precedent? who would have had to follow the precedent if the case had been decided by a judge in a state supreme court? does the gideon case apply if you are charged with a misdemeanor? does it apply if you are sued in a civil case?

• Answer:

  http://www.oyez.org/cases/1960-1969/1962/1962_155 Here is a great page covering the case and all the details you need.