In Gideon v. Wainwright (1963), the Supreme Court held that states are required to provide legal counsel to indigent defendants in criminal cases.

The right to legal counsel is essential to protect the rights of the accused, including the right to a fair trial, the right to remain silent, and the right to confront witnesses.

The right to legal counsel attaches at the time of arrest, as this is when the adversarial process begins and the accused is most vulnerable to coercion and abuse.

Public defenders are appointed by the court to represent indigent defendants, while privately retained attorneys are hired by the defendant and paid for by the defendant or their family.

Public defenders often face high caseloads, lack of resources, and negative stereotypes, which can make it difficult for them to provide effective legal representation to their clients.

The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to a speedy and public trial, the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, and the right to be confronted with the witnesses against him.

The Supreme Court has held that the Sixth Amendment incorporates the right to legal counsel as a fundamental right, which means that states are required to provide legal counsel to indigent defendants.

Criminal cases involve crimes, while civil cases involve disputes between individuals or organizations. Criminal cases are more serious than civil cases and are always tried by a jury, while civil cases are not.

Legal counsel in a civil case represents the client's interests in court, advises the client on their legal rights and options, and negotiates a settlement with the other party.

Legal counsel is not always required in a civil case. The decision of whether or not to hire an attorney is up to the client.

Legal counsel can help the client understand their legal rights and options, represent the client in court, and negotiate a settlement with the other party.

People who cannot afford legal counsel in a civil case may have difficulty understanding their legal rights and options, may be at a disadvantage in court, and may be less likely to reach a favorable settlement.

Some of the ways to address the challenges faced by people who cannot afford legal counsel in a civil case include providing legal aid to low-income individuals, offering pro bono legal services, and simplifying the legal system to make it more accessible to people without legal training.

The ACLU provides legal assistance to indigent defendants, advocates for policies that expand access to legal counsel, and challenges laws that restrict the right to legal counsel.

Individuals can support the right to legal counsel by donating to organizations that provide legal aid to indigent defendants, volunteering at a legal aid clinic, and contacting their elected officials to express support for policies that expand access to legal counsel.