public defender

noun

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

Examples of public defender in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Suspect in custody in connection with 2017 murders of 2 girls in Delphi, Indiana 01:58 Inside the trial The trial has been repeatedly delayed because of evidence leaks and the withdrawal of Allen's public defenders, who were later reinstated by the Indiana Supreme Court. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 18 Oct. 2024 Her public defender, Jennifer Patton, declined to comment to PEOPLE on the case. Emily Palmer, People.com, 17 Oct. 2024 Kristy Militello, the federal public defender assigned to Routh’s case, declined to comment after the hearing. Rob Picheta, CNN, 16 Sep. 2024 Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., the former president’s eldest sons, have remained public defenders of their father, attacking the four indictments and supporting his presidential campaign efforts. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 10 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for public defender 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'public defender.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public defender was in 1822

Dictionary Entries Near public defender

Cite this Entry

“Public defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20defender. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Legal Definition

public defender

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

More from Merriam-Webster on public defender

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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