- This case had been a landmark decision regarding the issues of the accused's right to counsel.
- The case arose when a Florida Court denied appointment of a lawyer to Gideon, citing that lawyers should only be appointed if it is a capital offense.
- The case had been brought to the Supreme Court and it had been decided that it was a fundamental right under the U.S. constitution that all those who cannot afford a lawyer be appointed one to ensure a fair trial and due process. This set the precedent that all those who cannot afford lawyers be appointed one, no matter the severity of the case.