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public defender

noun

Definition of public defender

  1. :  a lawyer usually holding public office whose duty is to defend accused persons unable to pay for legal assistance

See public defender defined for English-language learners

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First Known Use of public defender

1822

PUBLIC DEFENDER Defined for English Language Learners

public defender

noun

Definition of public defender for English Language Learners

  • : 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

noun

Legal Definition of public defender

  1. :  a lawyer usually holding public office who represents criminal defendants unable to pay for legal assistance

Learn More about public defender

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about public defender

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