In the landmark case of Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Sixth Amendment guarantees the right to counsel for defendants in criminal cases. This decision arose when Clarence Earl Gideon was charged with a felony in Florida and could not afford an attorney. He represented himself at trial and was convicted. Gideon appealed his conviction to the Supreme Court, which unanimously held that the right to free legal counsel is essential for a fair trial. This ruling extended the right to counsel to state courts, ensuring that all defendants, regardless of their financial situation, have access to legal representation.