Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Seattle Journal for Social Justice

Abstract

Fifty years ago, Gideon laid an important foundation, but that foundational principle requires new responses to new challenges. There is much work to do to prevent this fiftieth anniversary from collapsing into a mid-life crisis and, instead, enabling this half-century mark to be the golden anniversary it ought to be. Part one of this essay examines the ways in which the states have veered from the path set by Gideon. To breathe life into the Gideon mandate, and to make the sort of course correction that honors the decision’s principles rather than weaken them to caricatures, we, and all who care about social justice, must rigorously defend the right to counsel and the voice of the accused. Part two explores the untapped potential of collective efforts to galvanize opinion and actions in support of social and racial justice. This part addresses ways that defenders can strengthen and amplify their voices by engaging broader networks to construct a more inclusive vision of justice for all. Part three discusses the roles that those who care about justice must play in reclaiming and reinvigorating the right to counsel. This part urges defenders and others committed to social change to come to terms with the life-altering challenges facing an ever-expanding population of “have-nots” in this country, and then to work with them and on their behalf to advance the promise of Gideon.

First Page

867

Volume

11

Publication Date

2013

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