Which case established that defendants can represent themselves if they wish?

The case that established the right for defendants to represent themselves in court is Faretta v. California. This landmark decision recognized that the Sixth Amendment grants individuals the right to self-representation, provided that they voluntarily and intelligently choose to do so. The Supreme Court emphasized that an accused person has the dignity and autonomy to advocate for themselves, reflecting the importance of personal choice in the legal process.

In this case, the Court ruled that while the assistance of counsel is a critical aspect of ensuring fair trials, there must also be room for defendants to waive that right and represent their own interests if they so desire. This ruling has significant implications for defendants who believe they can effectively argue their case or who prefer not to rely on an attorney.

Other cases listed do not address self-representation directly. For instance, Miranda v. Arizona primarily deals with the rights of individuals in police custody, including the necessity of informing suspects of their rights to counsel and against self-incrimination. Roper v. Simmons addresses juvenile death penalty issues, while Chimel v. California focuses on search and seizure limitations. Each of these has its own significant impact on case law, but none pertains to the right of self-representation established in Faretta v. California.