public defender
Definition of public defender
: a lawyer usually holding public office whose duty is to defend accused persons unable to pay for legal assistance
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
First Known Use of public defender
1822
PUBLIC DEFENDER Defined for English Language Learners
public defender
Definition of public defender for English Language Learners
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: a lawyer who is paid by the government to defend people who are accused of a crime and are unable to pay for a private lawyer
Law Dictionary
public defender
Legal Definition of public defender
: a lawyer usually holding public office who represents criminal defendants unable to pay for legal assistance
Learn More about public defender
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public defender
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