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

2. Why did Jacob only have evenings and weekends to devote to the states' case against Gideon?

3. Lawyers appearing before the Supreme Court should not be overconfident or ______________.

4. George Mantz of ____________ admits that his state's courts could soon follow the trend to appoint attorneys in all cases.

5. What type of payment do most appointed attorneys get?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What flaw does Fortas present in determining decisions on a case-by-case basis?

7. What major points stem from revising the method of assigning attorneys who are not compensated?

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

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

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

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 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

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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