Which legal principle was upheld in the decision for In re Gault?

The decision in In re Gault is a landmark case in juvenile law that established the right to fair legal representation for minors in delinquency proceedings. The ruling highlighted that juveniles are entitled to many of the same constitutional protections as adults, particularly the right to have legal counsel. This was significant because prior to this decision, due process rights were not consistently afforded to minors in juvenile court, allowing for potentially unjust outcomes. The case emphasized that the ability of a minor to effectively defend themselves in court hinges on their access to legal representation, thus establishing a crucial standard for ensuring fair trials in juvenile justice contexts.