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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. What is unique about Gideon's petition to the U.S. Supreme Court?

2. Abe Fortas indicates that a lawyer would have known that ____________ could have been a defense for the crime.

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

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

5. What would happen to the appeals process if Gideon's appeal is approved?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. Describe some of Gideon's bad childhood experiences.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the overall settings for the story. What is important about each setting as it is revealed? What is the time period of the story? How important is the time period to the attitudes and issues of the people?

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

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