Public Defender

Introduction to Public Defender

Public Defender, lawyer appointed by a local government to represent indigent persons who are accused of a crime. Although the right to counsel varies from country to country, most have now recognized the need for defense counsel in criminal cases. Some form of assigned counsel is usually provided to the needy. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the right to counsel of all persons accused of felonies, regardless of their ability to pay. For any case that involves the possibility of imprisonment, the poor are guaranteed a publicly provided defense lawyer during the police questioning, pretrial hearing, trial, and appeal.” (1)

Resources

Notes and References

• Information about Public Defender in the Encarta Online Encyclopedia

Guide to Public Defender