Gideon's Trumpet | Themes

Gideon's Trumpet Themes

The Right to Justice

It seems evident that the right to justice, regardless of race or financial status, is the overriding theme of this story. Clarence Earl Gideon asks for an attorney when he's tried of the minor offense of breaking into a poolroom with the intention of committing petty larceny. He's summarily denied his request by the trial judge, is found guilty of the theft and sentenced to five years in prison. Gideon doesn't stop in his quest for what he believes is nothing more or less than his right. He takes what he believes to be the appropriate steps and takes the case on to the Supreme Court. Gideon's first request is denied because he hasn't filed all the proper documentation but he uses the information provided by the Court and files again. This time his case is accepted and he eventually wins the right to an attorney.

The question posed...
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