Abe Krash, a lawyer who played a crucial role in the Supreme Court’s landmark Gideon v. Wainwright decision, passed away at the age of 97 in his home in Chevy Chase, Md. The Gideon decision, which declared a right to counsel in criminal cases, is considered one of the most significant cases of the 20th century, strengthening Americans’ civil liberties in the face of the criminal justice system.
The case revolved around Clarence Earl Gideon, a Florida man who was denied legal counsel after being arrested for breaking into a pool hall and stealing money from a vending machine in 1961. Despite his request, he was forced to defend himself and was ultimately found guilty, receiving a five-year prison sentence. Gideon sent a handwritten plea to the Supreme Court, claiming his constitutional rights had been violated.
Mr. Krash’s involvement in the case began in 1962 when Abe Fortas, a senior partner at his firm, asked him to research and draft a brief for the case. The Supreme Court agreed to take up Gideon’s case, and Mr. Fortas, along with Mr. Krash, worked on building a strong argument to defend Gideon’s constitutional rights.
Abe Krash’s dedication to ensuring the right to counsel for all individuals facing criminal charges has left a lasting impact on the American legal system. His work in the Gideon case, along with his advocacy for civil liberties, has helped shape the way the justice system operates today. Despite his passing, his legacy as a champion of constitutional rights will be remembered for years to come.
