Word: Public Defender
Definition: A public defender is a lawyer who helps people who cannot afford to pay for a lawyer. These lawyers are provided by the government to represent individuals in court, usually in criminal cases.
Usage Instructions: - "Public defender" is used as a noun. - You can say "a public defender" when talking about one specific lawyer or "public defenders" when talking about the group of these lawyers.
Example Sentence: - "The man could not afford a lawyer, so the court assigned him a public defender to help with his case."
Advanced Usage: - In addition to criminal cases, public defenders may also work on cases involving civil rights or family law, depending on the resources available in their area.
Word Variants: - The term "public defense" refers to the system or practice of providing legal defense to those who cannot afford it. - "Defender" can also refer to a broader category of someone who defends or supports a person or idea.
Different Meanings: - While "public defender" specifically refers to a lawyer for those who cannot pay, "defender" alone can refer to anyone who protects or supports something, such as "a defender of human rights."
Synonyms: - Legal aid attorney - Court-appointed attorney - Defense lawyer (though this is broader and not necessarily public)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "public defender." However, you might hear phrases like "to defend someone in court," which means to represent them in a legal case.
Summary: A public defender is a crucial part of the legal system, ensuring that everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.