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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. In most cases the majority of the work falls on _________________.

2. In the Betts vs. Brady case in 1942, in what state did Smith Betts live?

3. What is a legal document submitted to the Supreme Court from anyone who may have something helpful to add to a case?

4. What is the case in which the the opinion indicates that federal defendants should always have the right to an attorney?

5. What "stupid answer" does Jacob give in response to a Justice?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does Fortas believe would be the surest way to get assenting opinions from the Justices in Gideon's case?

4. What is Justice Black's statement about Betts when he offers the Supreme Court opinion?

5. Who is Bruce Robert Jacob and what is his role in Gideon's Supreme Court trial?

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

7. What is the premise of the Betts vs. Brady case in 1942?

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

9. What form of support does Jacob get to help him defend the state position in the trial?

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

Explain the significance of the book's title. What did the author mean by calling the book GIDEON'S TRUMPET when Gideon is clearly not a musician? Expand your thinking and provide the best answer you can think of.

Essay Topic 2

When reading Gideon's file, Abe Fortas is interested to know whether or not Gideon is a black man. Why would this have been an important fact? What was happening in the South in the 1960s that would have made Gideon's race a critical factor to his case?

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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