Which landmark case established the defendant's right to counsel if they cannot afford one?

The landmark case that established the defendant's right to counsel if they cannot afford one is Gideon v. Wainwright. This case, decided by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1963, held that the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees the right to counsel to defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford an attorney. The Court ruled that the right to free legal counsel is essential to a fair trial, and this ruling extends to state courts through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.

Gideon v. Wainwright was a significant development in ensuring that defendants have the necessary legal representation to defend themselves adequately, thus reinforcing the principle of justice for all, regardless of financial status. Prior to this case, the right to counsel was not uniformly applied across states, leading to disparities in legal representation. This ruling has had a lasting impact on the criminal justice system by establishing the foundation for public defense services.