Gideon v. Wainwright established the right to what for defendants?

The case of Gideon v. Wainwright, decided in 1963, is a landmark Supreme Court case that established the right of defendants in criminal cases to have legal counsel provided at state expense if they cannot afford one. This ruling was grounded in the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees the right to counsel as part of the broader right to a fair trial.

The significance of this decision lies in its impact on the justice system; it ensures that defendants have access to legal representation, which is crucial for a fair trial and an effective defense. Without the ability to consult with and be defended by a lawyer, individuals may struggle to represent themselves adequately in the face of the complexities of the law and legal procedures.

The other options, while relevant to various aspects of criminal justice, do not pertain directly to the ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright. For example, the right to a jury trial is already established under the Sixth Amendment and wasn't the focus of this case, while the issue of bail and self-representation involves different legal principles that were not central to the Gideon ruling.