Justice on Trial — Season 1, Episode 5: For the Defendant (Gideon v. Wainwright)

Episode synopsis

Judge Judy Sheindlin and her team recreate the trials of Clarence Gideon, a Florida man accused in 1963 of burglarizing a pool hall. Forced to defend himself in court due to Florida law, Gideon was found guilty. While in prison, his successful appeal to the Supreme Court effectively created the Public Defender system we have today. Now armed with a savvy attorney, would Gideon win his freedom?

About Justice on Trial

Judge Judy Sheindlin puts the American justice system on trial in a true crime high-stakes courtroom drama, as she and her expert legal team recreate the trials from notorious cases where following the letter of the law did not necessarily feel "just."

More episodes from Season 1

• E1What Happens in My House (The Matter of Terrence K.)
• E2Burying Rights (Ohio v. Dixon)
• E3Sixteen to Life (1) (People v. Deskovic)
• E4Sixteen to Life (2) (Deskovic v. Putnam County)
• E6Killer, but Not a Liar (People v. Turriago)
• E7Hell Goes On Forever (Snyder v. Phelps)
• E8Scopes Monkey Trial (State of TN v. Scopes)