What requirement did Gideon v. Wainwright establish in 1963?

The case of Gideon v. Wainwright established that state courts are required to appoint counsel for defendants who cannot afford an attorney. This landmark decision expanded the right to counsel beyond federal cases, affirming that the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees the right to counsel, applies to state courts through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause. This means that anyone facing criminal charges in state court, regardless of their financial situation, is entitled to representation. This decision significantly enhanced the rights of defendants and reinforced the principle of fair trial rights within the American legal system. Gideon v. Wainwright was a pivotal moment for ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their economic status, have access to legal representation, which is fundamental to a fair trial.