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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. On what type of paper is Gideon's petition written?
(a) Regular typing paper.
(b) Linen letterhead.
(c) Prison paper.
(d) Prison forms.

3. What is Gideon on the verge of losing while in jail this time?
(a) Custody of his children.
(b) His job.
(c) His mind.
(d) His house.

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

5. How many children does Gideon have?
(a) Five.
(b) Two and two stepchildren.
(c) One and three stepchildren.
(d) Three and a stepdaughter.

6. Gideon believes that he was denied ______________ during a legal trial.
(a) visitors.
(b) due process.
(c) cigarettes.
(d) a phone call.

7. Why does Gideon send money to his parents when he is in jail in the mid-1930s?
(a) To put in a savings account for him.
(b) To pay for legal fees.
(c) They lost their house in the Great Depression.
(d) To buy food for his brothers and sisters.

8. Where does Gideon work after getting out of a reformatory?
(a) Shoe factory.
(b) Hardware store.
(c) Restaurant.
(d) Slaughterhouse.

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

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

11. Why does Gideon say he needs to get out of prison?
(a) To continue his education.
(b) To get a good job.
(c) To care for his children.
(d) To care for his mother.

12. Who does Gideon marry ten months after his first marriage?
(a) Babs Devereaux.
(b) Ruth Babineaux.
(c) Yvette Mimieux.
(d) Tonya Robichaux.

13. Is Gideon guaranteed an attorney during a Supreme Court trial?
(a) Yes.
(b) Yes, if he can pay a retainer.
(c) Possibly.
(d) No.

14. Who is the central person in GIDEON'S TRUMPET?
(a) Earl Thomas Ray.
(b) James Hall Gideon.
(c) Clarence James Thomas.
(d) Clarence Earl Gideon.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What sentence did Gideon receive in his first trial?

2. Why does Gideon's family not qualify for welfare?

3. Gideon says that prisoners have ___________ contact with attorneys?

4. How many pages does Gideon's Supreme Court petition contain?

5. A famous line in Gideon's petition to the Supreme Court reads: "It makes no difference how old I am or what color I am or __________________________."

(see the answer keys)

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