Griffin v. Illinois
Supreme Court
351 U.S. 12 (1956)
Relevant factsFree
After his armed robbery conviction, Griffin (defendant) sought a free trial transcript to pursue his appeal, but Illinois law limited free transcripts to defendants sentenced to death or raising constitutional issues; the trial court denied his request, his follow-up petition alleging a due process and equal protection violation was dismissed, and the state supreme court upheld the dismissal before the U.S. Supreme Court granted review.
IssueFree
Whether denying an indigent criminal defendant a free trial transcript necessary for adequate appellate review, while providing transcripts to defendants who can afford them, violates the Due Process and Equal Protection Clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment.