Legal Definitions - guardhouse lawyer

Definition: A guardhouse lawyer is a term used to describe a prison inmate who either seeks release through legal procedures or gives legal advice to other inmates. It is also known as a jailhouse lawyer.

Example 1: John, a prisoner, has been studying law books and helping other inmates with their legal cases. He is known as a guardhouse lawyer.

Example 2: Mary, another prisoner, is trying to get released from prison by filing a legal petition. She is seeking the help of a guardhouse lawyer to assist her with the legal process.

These examples illustrate how a guardhouse lawyer is a person who uses their knowledge of the law to help themselves or others in prison. They may not have formal legal training, but they have gained knowledge through reading law books and observing legal proceedings.