Prior to the supreme court case gideon v wainwright why was clarence gideon in jail?

A. Owning obscene books in ohio

B. Being refused a lawyer by the state of florida

C. Keeping a handgun in his home in chicago

D. Publishing a socialist newspaper in new york

Prior to the Supreme Court case Gideon v wainwright, Clarence Gideon in jail because being refused a lawyer by the state of Florida

Answer: Option B

Explanation:

In the case of Gideon v. Wainwright, the Supreme Court of U. S. has unequivocally held that the accused undergoing a criminal trial has the right to counsel at the expenses of the State if he is unable to afford the legal service.

In this case, Gideon was charged with breaking in and robbery and was convicted by the trial court. He could not afford a counsel for himself and the court had dismissed his request for legal assistance and therefore he defended his own case.

After his conviction the case came before Supreme Court and ordered for his new trial and observed that right to counsel is "essential and fundamental to a fair trial".

The answer is B. Being refused a lawyer by the state of Florida - Apex