ineffective assistance of counsel

in·​ef·​fec·​tive assistance of counsel
: representation of a criminal defendant that is so flawed as to deprive the defendant of a fair trial
claimed ineffective assistance of counsel following his conviction

called also ineffective assistance

Note: Ineffective assistance of counsel is a violation of the guarantee of the assistance of counsel that is provided in the Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. A claim of ineffective assistance of counsel may be brought as a result of government interference with the attorney-client relationship that precludes effective representation, as when an informant is present during conversations between the attorney and the defendant. The existence of a conflict of interest on the part of the attorney may also be the basis for a claim. Most claims are, however, based on the attorney's failure to provide competent representation. Competent representation does not require the best representation, only a performance that is reasonable under prevailing professional norms.

Dictionary Entries Near ineffective assistance of counsel

industrial union

ineffective assistance of counsel

inequitable

Cite this Entry

“Ineffective assistance of counsel.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/ineffective%20assistance%20of%20counsel. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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