Powell v. Alabama 287 U.S. 45 (1932)

In Powell v. Alabama 287 U.S. 45 (1932) seven black men who were accused of raping two white women were denied access to counsel after making a request for representation.  The Alabama Supreme Court denied the Defendant's appeal.  However, the United States Supreme Court held that denying a defendant access to an attorney in a capital trial violated his rights to due process.   This case established a defendant's right to counsel in capital cases.