Due Process Clause Case Study

The court's decision with a 7-2 majority opinion, overturned the convictions of the men and required that a new trial be held with the benefit of legal counsel appointed by the court. They believed that the right to counsel was one of the fundamental principles of liberty and justice which lie at the base of all our civil and political institutions. They also believed that the failure of the trial court to give the men reasonable time and opportunity to secure counsel was a clear denial of the Due Process Clause.