SOC 253 Chapter Notes - Chapter ALL: Payphone, Clarence Earl Gideon, Larceny
Document Summary
In 1961, clarence earl gideon was accused of petty larceny for allegedly robbing the bay harbor poolroom in florida (1). According to a single eyewitness, lester waid, gideon was seen leaving the poolroom with wine, beer, and money (4). In his first trial, upon asking for an attorney, he was denied one because it was not a capitol case (2). Therefore, he was forced to represent himself inadequately. During the opening statements, gideon claimed he didn"t rob the poolroom, however the prosecuting attorney claimed all the evidence they needed to convict was the testimony of waid. It was then that waid gave his testimony, stating that he had come back from a bar late with friends who dropped him at the poolroom, when he saw. Gideon use the payphone to call a cab, and then leave. When gideon attempted to question waid, he was unable to discredit him.
