In 1–2 sentences, analyze the importance of a Supreme Court case that affected the due process clauses of the Fifth or Fourteenth Amendments.

1 answer

The landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) significantly impacted the due process clause of the Fourteenth Amendment by establishing the right to free legal counsel for defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford an attorney, thereby reinforcing the principle of fair trial rights and ensuring broader access to justice. This decision underscored the essential role of legal representation in safeguarding individual liberties and the integrity of the legal system.