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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who, other than the Justices, are included in behind closed door sessions when they consider which cases to hear?
(a) The U.S. Attorney General.
(b) Ten Law Clerks.
(c) One legal secretary.
(d) No one.

2. What is Gideon's job in prison?
(a) Electrician.
(b) Cook.
(c) Trusty.
(d) Janitor.

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

4. What is unique about Gideon's petition to the U.S. Supreme Court?
(a) It exceeds the page count limit.
(b) It is on audio tape.
(c) It is sent via email.
(d) It is handwritten.

5. Where is the U.S. Supreme Court located?
(a) Washington D.C.
(b) New York.
(c) Boston.
(d) Philadelphia.

Short Answer Questions

1. What reason did the judge in Gideon's first trial not appoint an attorney?

2. For what reason has Gideon been summoned to court?

3. 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 __________________________."

4. What does Abe Fortas want before going to trial before representing Gideon?

5. How many does does the opposing side on a case have to respond once a petition submitted to the Supreme Court?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Fortas get the information he needs about Gideon's previous trial?

2. What is Gideon's mood as he heads into his Supreme Court trial?

3. Why is Gideon allowed an attorney for his Supreme Court case and who is the man appointed to represent him?

4. What is Gideon's life like after he marries in 1955?

5. For what is Abe Fortas already known regarding influencing the Supreme Court to expand a certain ruling?

6. Do the Supreme Court Justices get to decide which cases they will hear?

7. What is the nature of Gideon's petition to the Supreme Court?

8. What role has Gideon assumed while in prison regarding helping some of the other inmates?

9. What is meant by federalism and how could Gideon's Supreme Court case impact it?

10. What is the premise of GIDEON'S TRUMPET?

(see the answer keys)

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