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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. Which of the following falls into the category of "special circumstances" for those on trial?
(a) All of these.
(b) Young.
(c) Mentally ill.
(d) Illiterate.

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

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

4. Abe Fortas indicates that a lawyer would have known that ____________ could have been a defense for the crime.
(a) Drunkenness.
(b) Insanity.
(c) Being high.
(d) Righteous anger.

5. How old was Gideon when he ran away from home to escape his strict stepfather?
(a) 16.
(b) 9.
(c) 14.
(d) 12.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what city in Florida did Gideon reside?

2. With whom does Gideon file a petition?

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

4. In Gideon's reply to the Florida Attorney General's document, Gideon states that he can't cite laws such as the Florida Attorney General has, but that he "_____________________________."

5. How old is Gideon?

Short Essay Questions

1. What issue has been on the minds of the Justices lately that gives Gideon's petition some extra attention?

2. What sentence does Gideon receive for the petty larceny charge?

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

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

5. What are Gideon's intentions for his life should he be released from prison?

6. What is the typical course for a case to reach the Supreme Court?

7. How many Supreme Court Justices are there and how large is their support staff?

8. What distinction did Justice Jackson once make regarding the infallibility of Supreme Court decision?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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