What are the specific requirements for demonstrating 'effective assistance of counsel' in a criminal case, and what constitutes a breach of this requirement?

To demonstrate 'effective assistance of counsel' in a criminal case, a defendant must meet a two-pronged test established in Strickland v. Washington. First, the defendant must show that their counsel's performance was deficient. This means that the attorney's representation fell below an objective standard of reasonableness, considering prevailing professional norms. This is a highly deferential standard, meaning courts presume that counsel's conduct falls within the wide range of reasonable professional assistance. The defendant must identify specific acts or omissions of counsel that were outside the range of professionally competent assistance. Second, the defendant must show that the deficient performance....