W. Fred Turner

Who was W. Fred Turner?

W. Fred Turner was an American attorney. He successfully defended Clarence Earl Gideon in his retrial after the Gideon vs. Wainwright case overturned his conviction. The story behind this case was told in Anthony Lewis's 1964 book Gideon's Trumpet. Discussion of Turner's role is in the Epilogue, pages 234-250.

Turner was born in Millville, Florida, now part of Panama City. He joined the Army Air Corps after high school and was a supply officer in the 308th Bombardment Group during World War II. He rose to the rank of captain before leaving for the University of Florida. He graduated in 1948 and returned to Bay County, Florida to practice law.