SKIP TO CONTENT

public defender

/ˈpʌblɪk dɪˈfɛndər/
/ˈpʌblɪk dɪˈfɛndə/
IPA guide

Other forms: public defenders

A public defender is an attorney who works for the state and defends people who can't afford their own lawyers. If a defendant can afford to pay bond, it's harder for them to get a public defender.

When a defendant pays bail to avoid prison while their trial is underway, the court assumes they can also afford a private lawyer and don't need a public defender. It's still possible to get one, but the process can be complicated. In the US, the right to a public defender has been ensured since a 1963 Supreme Court decision. People deserve a strong defense, no matter how poor they may be.

Definitions of public defender
  1. noun
    a lawyer who represents indigent defendants at public expense
    see moresee less
    type of:
    attorney, lawyer
    a professional person authorized to practice law; conducts lawsuits or gives legal advice
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘public defender'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family