Legal Definitions - jailhouse lawyer

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

Example 1: John, a prisoner, has been studying law books in the prison library and has become knowledgeable about legal procedures. He helps other inmates with their legal cases and even files his own appeals.

Example 2: Mary, who has been in prison for several years, has been denied parole multiple times. She decides to become a jailhouse lawyer and researches the legal requirements for parole. She helps other inmates with their parole hearings and eventually succeeds in getting her own parole granted.

These examples illustrate how jailhouse lawyers use their knowledge of the law to help themselves and others in prison. They may not have formal legal training, but they are resourceful and determined to seek justice.