The term “Florida Man,” is often used as a derisive reference to a male resident of the Sunshine State.  But sixty years ago, a “Florida Man,” Clarence Earl Gideon, changed the course of history with a pen, prison stationary, and a determination to fight for his, and our, Constitutional Rights.

Back in 1961, Gideon was arrested, accused of breaking into a Panama City pool hall, destroying a cigarette machine, and leaving the business with money from the machine and the cash register, and some booze.  At his trial, the judge asked where his attorney was.  When Gideon insisted he was too poor to afford one, and asked for one, he was denied by the judge, who ordered him to begin his defense.  Outclasses by the prosecutor who was already prepared with a case file, Gideon was sentenced to five years in prison.