LAW QUESTIONIN BOLD

In GIDEON v. WAINWRIGHT, 372 U.S. 335 (1963), the United States Supreme Court held that individuals accused of serious crimes are guaranteed the right to an attorney. Every day low-income people need access to counsel for civil matters, minor criminal offenses, and family law cases. The news is full of issues relating to the financial crisis of courts and the budget issues facing public defenders offices across the country.

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Should any additional legal assistance be given to financially needy people other than what is guaranteed by the Constitution – family issues, child support and child custody, consumer rights, debt and credit issue etc. Support your position and use appropriate examples. What should be the standard for deciding who gets legal counsel and what rights should we be most concerned with?