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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. The Supreme Court had ruled that a person is not criminally responsible for his actions if he ______________________.

2. In what part of the country does Gideon live?

3. Fortas notes that there is a recent history of the Justices declining to approve petitions that would _____________________.

4. Where is the U.S. Supreme Court located?

5. Is Gideon guaranteed an attorney during a Supreme Court trial?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is so unusual about Gideon's tenacity in preparing his petition to the Supreme Court?

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

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

4. What incriminating testimony had been provided by the prosecution's witness, Henry Cook, during Gideon's criminal trial?

5. What is the famous case by which assigning attorneys to defendants is determined?

6. How does Fortas learn more about Gideon during the months after he is appointed to represent him?

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

8. What is the famous 1940s case whose precedent denied Gideon an attorney at his criminal trial?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There is a saying that "He who represents himself has a fool for a client." Clearly Gideon was set up for failure in trying to represent himself but what do you think of his methods? Was he on the right track? Was he intelligent enough to do a decent job with a little bit of guidance? Do you think Gideon thought he did a good job, at least before the verdict was read? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of hope. Identify at least two themes about hope in the book. Then cite an example to support each theme you name.

Essay Topic 3

In Gideon's Supreme Court case, Abe Fortas is assigned to represent him while Bruce Jacob represents the state's rights. Compare and contrast Abe Fortas and Bruce Jacob. What similarities do they share? How are they different? Do you think the Supreme Court Justices knew what they were doing when they appointed Fortas to Gideon's case? Explain.

(see the answer keys)

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