Gideons Trumpet by Anthony Lewis - Book Report/Review Example

Gideon’s Trumpet Gideon’s trumpet is a book that not only focuses on the case of Clarence Earl Gideon but also portrays the role of Supreme Court in discharging justice. The book illustrates the trials of Gideon who loses most of life battles. He is a gambler, tuberculosis patient, robber, mechanic and electrician some of the time and prison inmate most of the time. He is a destitute man unable to make a living thus, mostly turn to crime. Due to continuous suffering from frequent accusations and imprisonment, Gideon looks fifteen years older than his actual fifty one years. The occasion that leads to development of the book Gideon’s trumpet, is his accusation for robbery at Harbor poolroom in Florida. This accusation marks the turning point in delivery of justice in the United States. The process of delivering judgment to this case keeps one interested in Antony Lewis piece of writing. Antony Lewis writes about one point that is worth discussing concerning Gideon’s case. “Petition for a Writ of Certiorari Directed to the Supreme Court State of Florida”(Lewis, 3). This is the title of Gideon’s five-page document to the Supreme Court. Though not impressive in appearance and deeds, Gideonknows his wishes. This time Gideon feels that the law offends him by not providing justice in accordance to amendment fourteen which states that “No state shall…deprive any person of life, liberty or property without due process of the law” (Lewis, 3). Through this document, Gideon proceeds to explain that his freedom is infringed by the Florida court despite being innocent. This is an indication of not only a witty person but one who understands his needs.He understands that not getting justice from the lower court in Florida gives him a chance to proceed with the case in the Supreme Court. Thus, he is seeking an opportunity for the Supreme Court to hear his case before making a ruling. In his first trial at the lower court, Gideon’s case is titled Gideon v. Wainwright; his dissatisfaction with the court ruling makes him appeal to the Supreme Court. During this first appeal; Gideon v. Cochran,Gideon states that the lower court overlooks amendment fourteen of the law while ruling on his case. He however fails to make reference to the case; Betts v. Brady where the Supreme Court upholds the fact that Mr. Betts is denied the right to an attorney, during his trial for robbery. This case would be critical in his argument for Mr. Betts accusation for robbery is similar to his situation (Lewis, 1). During the case; Betts v. Brady, Justice Roberts states that amendment fourteen fails to give counsel rights to all felony cases except a few such as rape or murder. Gideon’s appeal to the Supreme Court brings a different perspective to court cases in the United States. There is controversy between the rights of the citizens and the government policies. This makes it difficult for lower courts and Supreme Court to hold similar rulings. This especially happens in felony cases, where state attorneys argue that such victims have the right to counsel. The state attorneys are of the opinion that citizen rights outweigh the rights of the government (Book rags, 1). Lack of clear direction makes it difficult to file and challenge a ruling of the lower courts at the Supreme Court. The process through which Gideon send an email from Florida State prison in Raiford to the final decision by the court to hear his case works well for me. Rodak clears the appeal for hearing at the Supreme Court because it meets the rules enforced. This includes a period within ninety days after the lower court ruling. Rodak labels the papers 890-Miscellenious but nothing attracts attention about this case within the clerk’s office. Gideon’s case meets the required standards of the Supreme Court thus the Clarks forward it to the chief justice, Richard Ervin. However; the assistant chief justice, Bruce R. Jacob replies; stating that Gideon’s case does not show special circumstances as in the case of Betts v. Brady thus, he does not require presentation (Lewis, 1). The assistant chief justice’s response to Gideon’s request does not stop him from retrying for justice. His determination appeals emotionally as it give me a feeling that out of his will to free himself from life struggles, the law might deliberate him. This expresses itself in his response to Jacob’s opinion. Gideon reiterates his initial claim again stating the absence of representation in his trial resulting to bias. This is his main basis for the need of representation. Moreover, he states that irrespective of race, age or denomination, all he needs is justice. The reply catches the courts attention thus it holds a conference to find a direction for Gideon’s case. Eventually, the court decides to hear his case. Due to his inability to afford a lawyer, Gideon accepts help from the court where Abe Fortas is appointed from Arnold, Fortas and Porter firm (Lewis,1). He in most circumstance act as an intermediary between the private sector and the government, but has some kind of interest in criminal law. In representing an indigent, Fortas responds to duty, as he receives no payment for representing Gideon. During his review of Gideon’s appeal he realizes that the prosecution at lower court provides inadequate evidence to prove Gideon guilty. Gideon’s case benefits from the opinions of Justice Hugo Black who just like Gideon, believes that the constitution has provisions to protect individuals from oppression. He thus feels that judges should also no feel shame in doing the same (Lewis, 479). Justice Black finds amendment fourteen absolute and makes reference to the fact that his opinion could have been seconded by Justice Frankfurter, who was a preacher of judicial caution and self-restraint. According to Justice Black, time passes and courts have new experiences in handling cases and that makes the difference in Gideon’s case. As such, Justice Black recommends the need of a lawyer for Gideon despite his social status (Condo, 3). Of the characters in the book, Counsel Abe Fortas is a determined person. Despite the contradiction of the law and clarity that he might be unable to challenge the court against Gideon’s case, Mr. Fortas does not lose hope. He puts his law firm to task of finding the relevance of Gideon’s case to his appeal. The counsel equally makes trips to Florida to access a library and read more about Gideon’s case. The case at hand would equally define history, not only to him but the country as a whole, for previous cases such as Betts and Brady would be disputed. However, Fortas displays his thoroughness during the case and his bold personality helps him handle the situation with minimal stress (Jacob, 18). The book, Gideon’s trumpet continuously discusses the theme on right to justice. In search of justice, people lose cases due to lack of directions on their judgment and inadequate provisions to ensure appropriate rulings. Cases such as Betts v. Brady shows that certain accusations are denied right to counsels despite constitutional provision to equally protect individuals.Thus upon hearing of Gideon’s case, counsel is requested to discuss in their argument: “Should this courts holding in Betts v. Brady 316, U.S.455, be reconsidered?” (Lewis, 27). There are also differences between the federal and state laws as appears in the case of McCulloch v. Maryland. This makes it difficult to define the course of judgment. However, Gideon who is unaware of relevance of previous court cases in finding justice uses the one shield he knows would give him justice-the constitution (Lewis, 1). The right to justice is difficult, as Gideon’s appeal ends in a conference meeting to reach a rational decision. Judiciary ignorance of the law such as the case of assistant chief justice, Bruce R. Jacob comes into public. Gideon’s search for justice ends up deliberating America and gives equal rights to the less fortunate. I would recommend this book because; Antony Lewis bases his writing on a true story of our history and the path to justice. This would enable people understand the difficult path our people go through to deliberate us from misinterpretations of the constitution. To those who have not read the book, I would tell of it focusing on a man who had little contributions to the society for he is associated with ill doings and no just ways of making a living. Despite his disputable lifestyle, Gideon remains celebrated as part of American history. His actions define the turning point in American justice systems. Having read Gideon’s trumpet, I appreciate Antony Lewis for doing a commendable job in creating a memory of some dedicated counsels and members of the judiciary such as, Abe Fortas and Justice Hugo Black respectively. The book provides adequate knowledge about changes that have taken place in the American justice system and their influencers. It is thus a good piece of literature for people interested in understanding our justice systems. Moreover, authors need an imitation of Antony Lewis approach for they can base their stories on the occurrences in our society. Works Cited BookRags. Gideon’s Trumpet. Academic Journals. Retrieved from http://www.bookrags.com/studyguide-gideons-trumpet/free-quiz.html Condo, Joseph (2000). Gideon’s Silent Trumpet. Retrieved from http://www.vsb.org/publications/valawyer/dec00/pres_page.pdf Jacob, Bruce (2012). Remembering Gideon’s Lawyers: Perspectives of Gideon at 50. The Champion. Retrieved from http://www.stetson.edu/law/news/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/Jacob-article-on-Gideon-p16-22_june2012_jacob.pdf Lewis, Antony (2011). Gideon’s Trumpet. Garden City: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group Lewis Antony (1964). Gideon’s Trumpet: Book Reviews. New York: Random House, Vol. 78, pages 478-490. Read More