On March 18th, 2013 — the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in Gideon v. Wainwright — the premier of The Constitution Project’sDefending Gideon will be shown. The film takes viewers on a fascinating journey through the heady days of the Gideon decision through the present day, and examines the challenges still facing the indigent defense system.

Defending Gideon, narrated by actor Martin Sheen, will feature interviews with many who were there at the time: Retired Arnold & Porter LLP attorney Abe Krash, Bruce Jacob (who represented Florida in the case and who is now a leading advocate for reform), Walter Mondale (who, as Minnesota Attorney General, organized an amicusbrief in Gideon’s favor), and Anthony Lewis, long-time New York Times columnist and author of Gideon’s Trumpet.

Refreshments will be served at 6:00 followed by a 6:30 moderated discussion and screening of the film. Cocktail reception and dinner buffet to follow.