How does a trial begin without a lawyer for the defendant? The 1963 Supreme Court case Gideon v. Wainwright serves as the backdrop for the study of the rights of the accused. Scholars use a short video along with paired discussion and reflection to analyze how the Gideon case provides everyone with the right to legal counsel. 

Concepts

supreme court cases, the supreme court, habeas corpus, constitutional amendments

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Preview the lesson with an assigned reading on the Gideon Supreme Court Case
• Extend the lesson with Hip Hughes History video (five minutes) as homework 

Classroom Considerations

• Audio and video technology needed if assigning the lesson as homework 

Pros

• Video clip allows differentiated instruction for audio and visual learners
• Resource provides printable worksheet and materials for use in classroom 

Cons

• None

Common Core

RH.9-10.1 RH.9-10.2 RH.9-10.3 RH.11-12.1 RH.11-12.2 RH.11-12.3