Question

why did gideon represent himself in court?
he was charged with a state felony, precluding use of lawyers.
he could not afford a lawyer and the court would not appoint one for him.
he was a practicing lawyer and decided to be his own legal counsel.

Explanation:

This refers to the landmark case Gideon v. Wainwright. Gideon was indigent (unable to afford a lawyer) and the Florida state court refused to appoint one for him, as at the time, court-appointed counsel was only provided for capital cases in state courts. He had to represent himself as a result.

Answer:

He could not afford a lawyer and the court would not appoint one for him.