Gideon’s Trumpet

A 1980 Docudrama based the Best-selling book.

This clip from the 1980 movie depicts the Supreme Court oral arguments. Attorney Abe Fortas represented Gideon in the Court chamber while Gideon awaited the results from a Florida prison. Fortas went on to serve on the Supreme Court. View the clip and answer the questions below.




1. List two points that Abe Fortas made about a defendant not having a trial lawyer.

2. What questions or concerns did the justices have about this issue?

3. What points or counterpoints does the Florida attorney make regarding the potential requirement that all states must provide counsel to indigent defendants?