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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is the witness in Gideon's first trial who states that he saw Gideon at the poolroom on the morning of June 3?
(a) Harvey Cook.
(b) Hank Cookson.
(c) Henry Koch.
(d) Henry Cook.

2. Why did Gideon never move his family out of Panama City?
(a) His wife didn't want to move.
(b) They had family in the area.
(c) He never had the money.
(d) They didn't want to leave their school.

3. How many does does the opposing side on a case have to respond once a petition submitted to the Supreme Court?
(a) 60.
(b) 90.
(c) 15.
(d) 30.

4. Fortas notes that there is a recent history of the Justices declining to approve petitions that would _____________________.
(a) Impact people already in prison.
(b) Apply to indigent people.
(c) Probably result in guilty verdicts.
(d) Be applied across the board to all states.

5. When is Gideon's case forwarded to the Supreme Court Justices?
(a) February 14, 1969.
(b) February 8, 1962.
(c) March 24, 1960.
(d) December 24, 1961.

6. In what part of the country does Gideon live?
(a) West Coast.
(b) South.
(c) New England.
(d) Northwest.

7. What prior case had established the rules for assigning an attorney to a defendant.
(a) Betts vs. Brody.
(b) Betz vs. Brady.
(c) Breck vs. Brady.
(d) Betts vs. Brady.

8. Abe Fortas learns that the ______________________ of Gideon's first trial was/were not recorded.
(a) Witness statements.
(b) Judge's ruling.
(c) Opening and closing arguments.
(d) Verdict.

9. The Supreme Court had ruled that a person is not criminally responsible for his actions if he ______________________.
(a) Suffers a mental disease.
(b) Had a hard childhood.
(c) Was taking certain medications.
(d) Is going through a divorce.

10. What is one caveat for a person who brings a petition before the Supreme Court?
(a) He must have been hurt by a legal action.
(b) He must be illiterate.
(c) He must have money for an attorney.
(d) He must be indigent.

11. Gideon says that prisoners have ___________ contact with attorneys?
(a) Minimal.
(b) No.
(c) Excessive.
(d) Adequate.

12. What is Gideon's state of mind as he prepares to go to trial at the Supreme Court?
(a) Humbled.
(b) Frightened.
(c) Confident.
(d) Anxious.

13. Gideon says that his court trial violated the _____________ Amendment.
(a) First.
(b) Tenth.
(c) Fourteenth.
(d) Fifth.

14. Which of the following is NOT an area in which Abe Fortas is familiar?
(a) U.S. Presidents.
(b) Corporations.
(c) Tax law.
(d) U.S. Government.

15. How do some of the Supreme Court Justices consider their power?
(a) Overwhelming.
(b) Humbling.
(c) Exaggerated.
(d) Destiny.

Short Answer Questions

1. Gideon writes a letter of ____________ pages to Abe Fortas to tell him what really happened.

2. How old was Gideon when he ran away from home to escape his strict stepfather?

3. What is unique about Gideon's petition to the U.S. Supreme Court?

4. Who, other than the Justices, are included in behind closed door sessions when they consider which cases to hear?

5. Sometimes the justices have their ________________ write brief memorandums about the petitioner's file contents.

(see the answer keys)

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