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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. Who does Gideon marry ten months after his first marriage?

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

3. Henry Cook states that at the poolroom, the front was off the cigarette machine and ___________________.

4. What is Gideon on the verge of losing while in jail this time?

5. What does each Supreme Court justice receive regarding petitioners' requests?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Why is it relevant that Fortas wants to know if Gideon is a Negro?

5. What is the process of a Supreme Court petition?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Gideon's story unfolds in the early 1960s, a time when the ravages of World War II are not a very distant memory and change is happening in almost every aspect of American life. What effect did the time period in which Gideon lived help his case? Does Gideon understand his place in history now that he has changed court procedures in America? Explain.

Essay Topic 2

GIDEON'S TRUMPET is a story about succeeding against heavy odds. Explain how fortunate Gideon is to have been alive in 1962 instead of 1942. What ruling had been in place in Florida that would have kept Gideon in prison for his full sentence? Is Gideon even aware of his good fortune? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Gideon changed the course of American law by petitioning for justice in the area of rights to an attorney. Who might be the next Gideon? Name two causes that are important in the United States today and how their passage would significantly alter the laws in America. What do you think the chances are of the causes passing and affecting change? Explain.

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