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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. Most prisoners currently jailed without the benefit of an attorney do not have which of the following characteristics that Gideon possesses?

2. What can be said about Gideon in that he stuck to the process of filing an appeal?

3. Which of the following is true of Jacobs prior to the Supreme Court case?

4. What does Abe Fortas think would be the best way for the Justices to understand Gideon's case?

5. Who typed Jacob's legal brief in the Gideon case?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Create a brief character study of W. Fred Turner. 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?

Essay Topic 3

With what crime had Clarence Earl Gideon been charged? What prevented his being appointed an attorney? Wouldn't Gideon have qualified under the "special circumstances" clause? Explain.

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