Which case established that indigent defendants charged with a felony are entitled to a lawyer paid for by the government?

The case that established the right of indigent defendants charged with a felony to have a lawyer paid for by the government is Gideon v. Wainwright. This landmark decision, made by the Supreme Court in 1963, built upon the principle of the right to counsel, which is enshrined in the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

In Gideon v. Wainwright, the Supreme Court ruled that states are required to provide legal counsel to defendants who cannot afford to hire an attorney in felony cases. The Court reasoned that fair trial rights should be foundational, and without legal representation, the fairness of the trial is compromised, especially for those who lack the financial means to secure a lawyer. This case affirmed that access to legal assistance is essential to the proper functioning of the justice system and is a fundamental right that must be guaranteed to all individuals, regardless of their economic status. This decision significantly expanded the rights of defendants and reinforced the idea of equality before the law.

Other cases listed focus on different aspects of legal rights or procedural issues. For instance, Miranda v. Arizona is primarily concerned with the rights of individuals in custodial interrogation, while Furman v. Georgia addressed the constitutionality of the death penalty. Argersinger