The Dietrich v The Queen case is a landmark decision by the High Court of Australia that established the right to legal representation for individuals who cannot afford it. Gordon Murray Dietrich was charged with a criminal offense and requested legal aid, but his application was denied due to the nature of the offense. The court ruled that denying legal aid to someone unable to afford it violates their right to a fair trial, as guaranteed by the Australian Constitution. This case solidified the principle that access to legal representation is not just a privilege but a fundamental right in the Australian legal system.
