What was established by Gideon v. Wainwright?

Gideon v. Wainwright established the requirement of legal counsel for indigent defendants, which significantly reinforced the rights of individuals facing criminal charges. This landmark Supreme Court case ruled that the Sixth Amendment, which guarantees the right to counsel, is applicable to state courts through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause.

Prior to this ruling, states were not mandated to provide lawyers for defendants who could not afford one. As a result of Gideon v. Wainwright, it became clear that the government has an obligation to ensure that every defendant has access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. This decision helped to ensure that the legal process is fair and equitable, upholding the principle of justice for all citizens, which is a cornerstone of American democracy.

The other options pertain to different legal rights that are not directly related to this case. The right to a speedy trial, erasure of prior convictions, and the right to bail are governed by separate legal principles and precedents. Thus, while they are important in the context of criminal justice, they are not the focus of Gideon v. Wainwright.