View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Under the Betts rule, who is required to have an attorney?

2. Jacob contends that the basis for his case is about _________________, not an attorney.

3. Who was the Florida governor at the time of Gideon vs. Wainwright?

4. Who is the Attorney General in 1963?

5. One of the Justices asks Jacob if he believes all the prisoners currently jailed without benefit of an attorney are __________________.

Short Essay Questions

1. What change on the Supreme Court bench seems fortunate for Gideon's case?

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

3. Why is Gideon's Supreme Court case called Gideon vs. Wainwright?

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

5. What is Justice Harlan's simple statement that overturns Betts vs. Brady?

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

7. What is the premise of the brief written by George D. Mentz of the Alabama Attorney General's office which supports Jacob's case?

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

9. What is State Judge Walter V. Schaefer's reasoning on why the right to an attorney is greater than all other rights?

10. What is the author's reply to those who may question whether a case like Gideon's should be managed through legislation or allowed to proceed to the Supreme Court?

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

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.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,049 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample