What key right was established by Gideon vs. Wainwright?

The case of Gideon v. Wainwright established the key right to counsel in state and federal trials. This landmark decision solidified the Constitutional requirement that individuals who are charged with a crime have the right to legal representation, even if they cannot afford an attorney. The Supreme Court ruled that the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees the right to counsel, applies not only to federal government proceedings but also extends to state courts.

This ruling was significant because it ensured that the right to a fair trial and adequate legal defense was available to all individuals, thereby upholding the principle of justice regardless of one's financial situation. The implications of this decision fundamentally transformed the legal landscape, reinforcing the notion that effective legal representation is essential to the fairness of the judicial process.