The Gideon v. Wainwright court case changed the legal system we know because it re-established the idea that those who cannot afford attorneys need to be provided one. The 6th amendment of the constitution says that individuals have a right to a jury trial as well as the right to an attorney. This case reassures that an attorney should be appointed regardless of what type of crime is committed.
The Supreme Court justices, who voted unanimously for Gideon, discussed how appointing an attorney to those who cannot afford one is part of creating a fair and equal justice system.
Yes, it is because they were there and didn't take it from someone else.
