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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 typed Jacob's legal brief in the Gideon case?

2. What is the case in which six black boys were accused of rape of two white girls in 1932?

3. How might Gideon have known about the Carnley vs. Cochran case?

4. What amazes Jacob about appearing in the Supreme Court?

5. Which of the following is an indigent person unable to afford that a rich defendant can?

Short Essay Questions

1. Before hearing Gideon's case, what are the Justices aware of regarding many of the cases they hear?

2. Compare and contrast the legal resources for Jacob representing states' rights and Fortas representing just one man.

3. What could be the reason that the Supreme Court Justices selected Fortas to represent Gideon?

4. What embarrassing statement does Jacob make in dialogue regarding Gideon representing someone else in court?

5. What is the impact of the Gideon ruling regarding getting support for attorneys who are appointed to criminal cases?

6. What is Jacob's opinion on the retroactive element of any law which may evolve from Gideon's Supreme Court case?

7. What are a couple reasons that the Supreme Court works so well in terms of independent thinking?

8. How could Gideon vs. Wainwright overthrow the Betts vs. Brady decision that was enacted just 20 years prior?

9. What does John Hart Ely discover about Florida cases while doing research for Gideon's Supreme Court case?

10. How do Fortas and Jacob differ in their perceptions of Supreme Court procedure?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The struggle for justice takes on an almost human persona in this story. What is this literary technique called? Cite examples that support this position.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the concept of loneliness as it exhibits in Gideon's life. How did Gideon have to adapt to a lonely childhood and youth? What effect did that have on his future relationships? Could his inability to manage relationships be part of the cause of his marital failures and relationships with his children? Explain the impact that childhood distress can have on an adult many years later.

Essay Topic 3

Create a brief character study of Gideon. What does he look like? What are his positive personality traits? What are some of his negative characteristics? What are his hopes and fears? What is his primary motivation?

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