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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Abe Fortas think would be the best way for the Justices to understand Gideon's case?
(a) They should read Gideon's trial transcripts.
(b) They should go to criminal court and watch a defendant try to defend himself.
(c) They should talk to local judges.
(d) They should listen to interviews of inmates.

2. Which organization submits a brief in support of Gideon's petition?
(a) The Democratic Party.
(b) The Harvard Law School.
(c) The NAACP.
(d) The American Civil Liberties Union.

3. How might Gideon have known about the Carnley vs. Cochran case?
(a) Law books.
(b) Radio.
(c) TV.
(d) Newspapers.

4. The Justice makes the point that all the prisoners currently jailed without counsel were entitled to an attorney ________________________.
(a) Until proven guilty.
(b) Under the special circumstances rule.
(c) Because this is America.
(d) Whether they wanted one or not.

5. How does Gideon describe Fortas' legal brief about the case?
(a) Brilliant document.
(b) A Godsend.
(c) A masterpiece.
(d) Truly inspiring work.

6. Who had complete control over deciding who would represent Gideon?
(a) Gideon.
(b) The prison warden.
(c) The Florida State Court.
(d) The Justices.

7. What comment does George Mantz say that draws laughter from the Justices?
(a) Hope springs eternal.
(b) The early bird catches the worm.
(c) An apple a day keeps the doctor away.
(d) A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

8. Most prisoners currently jailed without the benefit of an attorney do not have which of the following characteristics that Gideon possesses?
(a) All of these.
(b) Educational level.
(c) Tenacity.
(d) Intelligence.

9. How many other states sign Berlin's legal brief?
(a) 12.
(b) 17.
(c) 38.
(d) 22.

10. Alabama's brief declares that ___________________ is more likely to be acquitted.
(a) An indigent without counsel.
(b) A first-time offender.
(c) An indigent with counsel.
(d) A retarded person.

11. Who is the young lawyer assigned to defend the state's position in Gideon's case?
(a) Bruce Robert Jacob.
(b) Michael Morris.
(c) Clayton Hall.
(d) Robert Bruce.

12. Which of the following is the consensus regarding appointed attorneys?
(a) An unpaid lawyer provides little or no real legal advice.
(b) Governmental funding will be required.
(c) No one attorney should withstand the continuing burden.
(d) All of these?

13. The Supreme Court Justices are aware that many of the cases they hear are the result of __________________.
(a) An overloaded local court system.
(b) A poor State Court system.
(c) A defendant's lack of a defense attorney.
(d) Unskilled judges in the local courts.

14. What is a legal document submitted to the Supreme Court from anyone who may have something helpful to add to a case?
(a) Federal Affiliation.
(b) Amicus Curiae.
(c) Good Neighbor.
(d) Goodwill.

15. What did State Judge Walter V. Schaefer of the Illin.ois Court of Illinois assert as a citizen's greatest right?
(a) The right to bear arms.
(b) The right to an attorney.
(c) The right to practice religion.
(d) The right of free speech.

Short Answer Questions

1. George Mantz of ____________ admits that his state's courts could soon follow the trend to appoint attorneys in all cases.

2. What is the case in which six black boys were accused of rape of two white girls in 1932?

3. Who was the director of the federal penitentiary system?

4. What is the name of another case in Florida that is similar to Gideon's regarding right to an attorney?

5. One of the Justices asks Jacob if he believes all the prisoners currently jailed without benefit of an attorney are __________________.

(see the answer keys)

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