Why was Gideon v. Wainwright so important?

What did the court rule in Gideon v. Wainwright?

• What is the language in the Bill of Rights that is relevant to Gideon v. Wainwright? Would you interpret those words to mean a defendant cannot be denied an attorney if he can afford one, or that a defendant must be provided an attorney even if he cannot afford one? Why

• Answer:

  "What is the language in the Bill of Rights that is relevant to Gideon v. Wainwright?" Due Process I recall. Clarence Gideon did not have the money to hire a defense attorney. His assertion was the state was compelled to provide him with a defense attorney because he was unable to afford one AND he lacked the necessary education and experience to understand Criminal Law and criminal court procedure. Thus his Due Process rights were violated. If Clarence Gideon could afford his own attorney then his Supreme Court case never would have happened under his name. Someone else down the road would have to file suit.