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March 18, 2013

NEW YORK STATE BAR ASSOCIATION MARKS 50th ANNIVERSARY OF GIDEON RULING MANDATING LAWYERS FOR POOR DEFENDANTS

On this day in 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court offered a sweeping affirmation of the constitutional right to counsel by requiring states to provide free legal representation to poor people accused of serious criminal offenses, State Bar President Seymour W. James, Jr. said today.
Today marks the 50th anniversary of the Gideon v. Wainwright decision, which opened the doors for individuals charged with criminal offenses in state courts to secure professional legal assistance, regardless of their economic status.

“Prior to this decision, many individuals were being deprived of their constitutional right to a fair trial simply because they were unable to afford a lawyer,” said James (The Legal Aid Society in New York City). “The Court found that a fair trial required counsel for the defendant, that inability to pay an attorney was no justification for states to deny an individual a fair trial, and that under the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution legal counsel must be provided by the state.”

To read the entire press release, click here.