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ARTICLE · 22 MARCH 2013

Commemorating The Right To Counsel

Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren SC
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This year, March 18 gives us an unusual reason to celebrate. On that date, 50 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Gideon vs. Wainright.

United StatesGovernment, Public Sector
Daniel Kelly
Daniel Kelly
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This year, March 18 gives us an unusual reason to celebrate. On that date, 50 years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Gideon vs. Wainright. You might not know this case by name, but you know its significance.

In this case, the court recognized that defendants in state criminal proceedings have the right to an attorney, even when they can't afford one.

The right to counsel - it seems like something that has always been. For Americans, this isn't an artifact tucked away in the dusty confines of a law library. It's such a part of who we are that it has found its way even into our popular culture.

How often have we watched our favorite fictional detective dramatically cuff a suspect while reading him his rights? The admonition always ends with: "You have the right to an attorney; if you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to represent you."

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