Gideon’s Trumpet

Gideon’s Trumpet, written in 1964, is a book that details a landmark court case, Gideon v. Wainwright, that came before the Supreme Court of the United States of America in 1963. It tells the story of Clarence Gideon, whose case became the key foundation of the modern interpretation of the Fifth and Sixth Amendments: that criminal defendants have a right to counsel at both the federal and state level even if they cannot afford a lawyer.

Plot Summary

The story begins in 1962, when Clarence Gideon sends a letter to the Supreme Court. He is in prison in Florida, having been forced to represent himself during a trial. Convicted of breaking and entering a pool hall, Gideon believes that he had the right to a lawyer but was denied by the judge and his financial situation. The letter requests a review of the case, and Gideon passes through a lengthy bureaucratic process.

The Supreme Court is the highest court in the American legal system. While holding extraordinary power, it is not without limitations. Gideon’s claim is evaluated by many people; having passed every requirement, it is accepted. As a result, the Florida authorities (where Gideon was tried and detained) have a window in which to respond.