Legal Definitions - public defender

Public Defender

A public defender is a lawyer who helps people who cannot afford to hire their own lawyer. They work for the government and are appointed by the court to represent people who are accused of a crime.

• John was arrested for stealing a car but he couldn't afford a lawyer. The court appointed a public defender to represent him in court.
• Mary was accused of drug possession and was assigned a public defender to help her with her case.

These examples show how public defenders are appointed by the court to help people who cannot afford a lawyer. They work for the government and are paid by the county, state or federal government. Public defenders are important because they ensure that everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.