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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does the Florida Attorney General say Gideon did not have the right to counsel?
(a) He had too many prior convictions.
(b) He was insane.
(c) He was clearly guilty.
(d) The rules of Betts vs. Brady.

2. As a general rule, the Justices' decisions follow ______________ of what's most important in the judicial system.
(a) The President's ideas.
(b) The Attorney General's ideas.
(c) Their own ideas.
(d) The Constitution's ideals.

3. Who is the clerk who receives Gideon's Supreme Court petition?
(a) Stu Mathias.
(b) Michael Kodak, Jr.
(c) Michael Rodak, Jr.
(d) Jeffrey Walton.

4. Federal law _____________ state law.
(a) challenges.
(b) supersedes.
(c) is more lenient than.
(d) is harsher than.

5. What does Abe Fortas want before going to trial before representing Gideon?
(a) A meeting with Gideon.
(b) A transcript of Gideon's previous trial.
(c) A series of phone interviews with Gideon.
(d) A big raise.

6. At what type of work does Gideon say he could make a living?
(a) Electrical wiring.
(b) Car maintenance.
(c) Truck driving.
(d) Plumbing.

7. What is the question the Justices say is before them when deciding to hear Gideon's case?
(a) How many more men like Clarence Earl Gideon are sitting in America's prisons?
(b) Are we not bound to provide legal justice for all men in this country?
(c) Should this Court's holding in Betts vs. Brady, 316 U.S. 455, be reconsiderd?
(d) Why should the U.S. Supreme Court have to get involved with a petty larceny case?

8. What does the judge in Gideon's first trial neglect to tell Gideon?
(a) He has a right to question the jury.
(b) There is video tape of Gideon stealing.
(c) He has a right to cross examine witnesses.
(d) He could have an attorney if he just asked for one.

9. Other than Gideon, who is the only person who could have filed Gideon's petition to the Supreme Court?
(a) His father.
(b) His attorney.
(c) His son.
(d) His wife.

10. Abe Fortas had previously argued the case that expanded the Supreme Court's ruling on ____________.
(a) Indigence.
(b) Pre-meditated murder.
(c) Tax evasion.
(d) Insanity.

11. How many pages does Gideon's Supreme Court petition contain?
(a) 23.
(b) 5.
(c) 15.
(d) 11.

12. What is covered in the issue of federalism?
(a) The Federal government budget.
(b) Republicans vs. Democrats.
(c) Internal Revenue System policies.
(d) State's rights vs. the Federal government.

13. What is the only thing Gideon's landlady testifies to when Gideon questions her?
(a) She thinks Gideon is a good father.
(b) She has never seen Gideon drunk.
(c) Gideon pretty much stays to himself.
(d) Gideon is always on time with the rent.

14. What establishment was Gideon convicted of robbing?
(a) Seabreeze Bar & Grill.
(b) Bay Harbor Poolroom.
(c) Flamingo Pawn Shop.
(d) Palms and Pawns Shop.

15. What sentence did Gideon receive in his first trial?
(a) Probation and time served.
(b) A life sentence.
(c) Maximum of five years in prison.
(d) Minimum of five years in prison.

Short Answer Questions

1. For what crime is Gideon serving time in prison?

2. Why is Gideon filing an appeal to his case?

3. Fortas notes that there is a recent history of the Justices declining to approve petitions that would _____________________.

4. Abe Fortas knows little of Gideon's first trial and little of _____________________.

5. In what city is the Florida State Prison located?

(see the answer keys)

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