Hero Image

Clarence Earl Gideon

Convicted of breaking and entering in Florida, Clarence Earl Gideon set a major legal precedent when he challenged his conviction, claiming that he could not afford an attorney and should have been appointed one by the court.

Our Purpose

The Strengthening the Sixth website is a comprehensive resource for individuals seeking to understand more deeply the rights under the 6th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

Learn More About Us

Relevant Media

Disability and the Legal System

Explore how to improve accessibility and inclusivity in the legal system for persons with disabilities.

View Videos

Roadmap to a Representative Jury

Learn about jury diversity from leading experts and practitioners.

View Video

NCSC on State Courts’ Response to Mental Illness

The National Judicial Task Force to Examine State Courts’ Response to Mental Illness has lauched a podcast series to explore the insection of mental health and the court system.

View Podcast

Reports

Report: Gideo at 60 ATJ and NIJ

Gideon at 60

A Snapshot of State Public Defense Systems and Paths to System Reform
Report: At What Cost

At What Cost?

Findings from an Examination into the Imposition of Public Defense System Fees.
Report: Impacted Voices on the Use of Video Proceedings in Criminal Court

Hold the Line

Impacted Voices on the Use of Video Proceedings in Criminal Court.
Report: Creating Representative Juries: An Exploration of Barriers in St. Louis County, MN

Minnesota

Creating Representative Juries: An Exploration of Barriers in St. Louis County, Minnesota
Report: Evaluating Investigator Use by Defense Counsel in Texas

Texas

Evaluating Investigator Use by Defense Counsel in Texas
Report: Prior Conviction Impeachment: The Need For Reform

Washington State

Prior Conviction Impeachment: The Need for Reform

Resources

Editorial Img

Collateral Consequences Resource Hub

The Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (APA) built this resource to address and prevent the collateral consequences of criminal cases.