What case established that states must provide legal counsel to defendants who cannot afford one?

The case that established the requirement for states to provide legal counsel to defendants who cannot afford one is Gideon v. Wainwright. This landmark Supreme Court decision, issued in 1963, held that the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees the right to counsel, is applicable to state courts through the Fourteenth Amendment’s Due Process Clause. This means that if a defendant cannot afford an attorney, the state is obligated to provide one to ensure a fair trial.

The significance of Gideon v. Wainwright lies in its expansion of the rights of defendants, ensuring that the legal system is accessible to all individuals, regardless of their financial situation. Prior to this decision, the provision of legal counsel was not guaranteed in state courts, leading to significant disparities in the justice system. This case thus reinforced the principle that every person has the right to a fair trial, which includes the right to legal representation.

The other cases listed do not pertain to the right to counsel. Roe v. Wade deals with women's reproductive rights, Brown v. Board of Education addresses racial segregation in public schools, and McCullough v. Maryland focuses on federal power over state laws. Each contributes to different aspects of American law and rights but does not