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Discussion Questions - Gideon v. Wainwright

Use the discussion questions to help formulate your opinion on the case.

Activity Resources
  1. Gideon v. Wainwright
  2. Facts and Case Summary - Gideon v. Wainwright
  3. Facts and Case Summary - In re Gault
  4. Scripted Re-Enactment - Gideon v. Wainwright
  5. Fictional Scenario - Gideon v. Wainwright
  6. Discussion Questions - Gideon v. Wainwright
  1. What factors that you read in the scenario would bring this case into federal court?
  2. If Tim Jones decides to plead guilty, and you are representing him as a Federal Public Defender, list the weaknesses in your case that an Assistant U.S. Attorney might argue before the sentencing Judge.
  3. If Tim Jones decides to plead guilty, as his Federal Public Defender, make a list of the strengths of your case that you would argue before the sentencing Judge.

Activity Download

Court Shorts: Right to Counsel

Federal judges and public defense attorneys discuss the significance of the Sixth Amendment right to counsel and the landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision in Gideon v. Wainwright (1963).

DISCLAIMER: These resources are created by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts for educational purposes only. They may not reflect the current state of the law, and are not intended to provide legal advice, guidance on litigation, or commentary on any pending case or legislation.