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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Boyd, who is from Charlotte, appeared in court with his public defender on Thursday, where details of the previous night’s events were shared. Jeff A. Chamer, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025 Nevertheless, in November Elizabeth Bourdon, his public defender, successfully delayed proceedings in the murder case after requesting additional time to reevaluate him. Cristóbal Reyes, Orlando Sentinel, 23 Jan. 2025 Michelle Peterson, his federal public defender, confirmed Tuesday he is set to be released, but declined further comment. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025 Orange County’s public defender’s office estimated more than 50 felony trials, most of them homicide cases, were tainted and affected by the snitch scandal. Salvador Hernandez, Los Angeles Times, 18 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for public defender 

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 27 Jan. 2025.

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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