Question

why did gideon represent himself in court? he was a practicing lawyer and decided to be his own legal counsel. he was charged with a state felony, precluding use of lawyers. he could not afford a lawyer and the court would not appoint one for him.

Explanation:

This refers to the landmark case Gideon v. Wainwright. Gideon was indigent (unable to pay for legal representation), and at the time, Florida state courts only appointed counsel for capital cases, not non-capital felonies. He had no choice but to represent himself.

Answer:

He could not afford a lawyer and the court would not appoint one for him.