What requirement was established by the Gideon vs. Wainwright case?

The Gideon vs. Wainwright case established the requirement that courts must provide legal counsel to poor defendants in felony cases. This landmark decision, issued by the Supreme Court in 1963, reinforced the principle that the right to counsel is a fundamental right essential to a fair trial. The Court recognized that when a defendant cannot afford an attorney, the state has an obligation to ensure that one is provided, thus upholding the principles of due process under the Fourteenth Amendment.

This ruling was pivotal in expanding the rights of defendants, particularly those who lack financial resources, ensuring that the legal system does not favor the financially privileged by leaving the poor without representation in serious criminal proceedings. Therefore, it specifically pertains to felony cases where the stakes are significantly higher, thus emphasizing the importance of competent legal representation in the defense against serious charges.