Gideon's Trumpet Study Questions & Topics for Discussion

Gideon's Trumpet Topics for Discussion

How is it that Gideon manages to get an appeal in to the Supreme Court of the United States? What stands in the way of others making the same attempt?

What does the term "special circumstances" mean? What is the problem with that term? What is the court case that mentions that term?

Describe Gideon's initial trial and how an attorney might have handled things differently. Would the outcome have been changed by an attorney's presence?

Why is it that Gideon rejects the attorney from the American Civil Liberties Union? What does that attorney later say about Gideon? What does Gideon say about his chances for a fair retrial? Is he correct?

What are at least three of the points argued by Fortas in Gideon's case? What is his attitude about how to proceed with the case?

What are at least three of the points argued...
(read more)