Gideon v. Wainwright (1963)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
Clarence Earl Gideon was charged with felony breaking and entering in Florida. He requested a court-appointed lawyer but was denied under state law. Forced to represent himself, he was convicted. The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that the Sixth Amendment right to counsel applies to the states through the 14th Amendment.

Miranda v. Arizona (1966)

1) Link to the Actual Opinion
Read the U.S. Reports opinion (PDF)

2) Summary of the Opinion
Ernesto Miranda was arrested and confessed during police interrogation without being informed of his right to remain silent or to have an attorney present. The Supreme Court held that the Fifth Amendment privilege against self-incrimination requires police to inform suspects of their rights before custodial interrogation.

3) Why It Mattered
This case established the now-famous Miranda warnings: the right to remain silent, that anything said can be used in court, and the right to an attorney.