95. public defenders

What is a Public Defender?

A public defender is a court-appointed attorney who represents defendants who cannot afford a private lawyer in criminal cases. Public defenders work for government-funded offices and ensure that all individuals, regardless of financial status, receive legal representation as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

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Key Aspects of Public Defenders

✔ Indigent Defense – Public defenders provide free legal representation to low-income defendants. ✔ Criminal Cases – They primarily handle criminal defense cases, including felonies and misdemeanors. ✔ High Caseloads – Public defenders often manage many cases at once, balancing limited resources. ✔ Constitutional Right – The U.S. Supreme Court (Gideon v. Wainwright, 1963) affirmed the right to legal counsel for those who cannot afford a lawyer. ✔ Government-Funded – Public defender offices receive funding from state or federal governments.

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Examples of Public Defender Representation

• A public defender represents a defendant charged with drug possession.

• An indigent defendant accused of burglary receives legal aid from a public defender.

• A juvenile facing criminal charges is assigned a public defender for legal assistance.

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5 Reference Pages for Public Defenders with URLs

1. Cornell Law School – Legal Information Institute: Public Defender

   • URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/public_defender

   • Explanation: Provides a definition of public defenders, their role in the legal system, and their responsibilities.

2. FindLaw – Public Defenders vs. Private Attorneys

   • URL: https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-rights/public-defenders-vs-private-attorneys.html

   • Explanation: Explains the differences between public defenders and private attorneys, including advantages and challenges.

3. United States Department of Justice – Public Defender System

   • URL: https://www.justice.gov/criminal/pds

   • Explanation: Details the structure and operation of public defender services in federal courts.

4. American Bar Association – Public Defense Standards

   • URL: https://www.americanbar.org/groups/legal_aid_indigent_defense/publications/

   • Explanation: Discusses the ethical and legal responsibilities of public defenders, along with best practices.

5. Wikipedia – Public Defender System

   • URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_defender

   • Explanation: Offers a broad overview of the public defender system in the U.S. and other countries.

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