On March 18, 1963, the U.S. Supreme Court unanimously issued a landmark opinion in the case of Gideon v. Wainwright, extending the right to counsel to all those facing serious criminal charges who are unable to afford an attorney—a right which had previously been recognized as only extending to indigent defendants in capital cases. 

March 18 is now known as Gideon Day in honor Clarence Earl Gideon, the man who made history by appearing in court to argue on his own behalf, “The United States Supreme Court says I am entitled to be represented by counsel.”

This year, the Kane County Public Defender’s Office commemorated the 60th anniversary of this opinion with a luncheon and a celebration of the work done by public defenders. Guest speakers included current Kane County Public Defender Rachele Conant, and former Public Defenders Thomas McCulloch and Hon. David Kliment. Hon. Julia Yetter also shared her rewards as both a DuPage and Kane County assistant public defender.

Photos by APD Eun Yoon