Gideon’s Trumpet Writing Assignment
In the film “Gideon’s Trumpet”, Clarence Gideon had an opportunity to have his
case heard by the Supreme Court.
When the Supreme Court makes a decision, one of the Justices will write an opinion
justifying the decision and supporting the decision with evidence and Constitutional
items on which that opinion is written.
Your job in this writing assignment is to write the opinion for the Supreme Court
establishing the following items:
A) The Supreme Court found in favor of whom?
B) History: Why were states allowed to deny citizens legal counsel if they
could not afford counsel, prior to trial? Case Law?
C) Change: What were the reasons the Supreme Court decided to insist that
all states incorporate the 6th Amendment?
D) Impact: How the decision of Gideon v. Wainwright impact other cases
involving the sentencing of convicted criminals?
E) Impact: How and Why will this decision serve the greater good of our
society and protect civil liberties?
You must submit a copy of the rough draft in class on the first class past the
Thanksgiving Break.
This FINAL DRAFT of this paper will be due on 12/5.
Name ____________________________________
Gideon’s Trumpet
Movie Questions
1.
Describe the nature of the crime involving Clarence Gideon.
2. What was the nature of the concern Gideon had with his charge and
conviction and explain why he felt he was wronged by the criminal justice
system?
3. What was the process the Supreme Court took in deciding to hear Gideon’s
case and what precautions did they have to address? (include Betts vs. Brady
in your answer)
NOW!!!!!
4.
How did the case and appeal with the Supreme Court affect Gideon?
Explain.
5.
Why was Gideon not “out of the woods” after the decision by the Supreme
Court? What did Gideon still have to do upon the SC decision?