Definition

Noun: * The lawyer representing the defendant: A legal professional whose duty is to advocate for a person (the defendant) who has been accused of a crime in a court of law. Their role is to protect the defendant's legal rights, challenge the prosecution's evidence, and present arguments and evidence for the defendant's innocence or for a reduced charge or sentence.

Usage

• The term "defense lawyer" is used specifically in the context of criminal law to denote the attorney on the side of the accused.
• It is a standard term in legal proceedings, journalism, and everyday discussion about court cases.
• It is often used interchangeably with "defense attorney" or "defence counsel" (UK spelling).

Examples

• The defense lawyer presented new evidence that cast doubt on the witness's testimony.
• Everyone has the right to a competent defense lawyer.
• After consulting with her defense lawyer, she decided to plead not guilty.
• The judge asked the defense lawyer to call his first witness.

Advanced Usage

• "To retain a defense lawyer": To hire or secure the services of a defense lawyer.
  • He retained a prominent defense lawyer for the high-profile case.
• "Court-appointed defense lawyer": A defense lawyer assigned by the court to represent a defendant who cannot afford to hire one.
  • The defendant was represented by a court-appointed defense lawyer.

Variants and Related Words

• Defense Attorney: A direct synonym, commonly used in American English.
• Defence Lawyer/Defence Counsel: The standard spelling and term in British English.
• Public Defender: A specific type of defense lawyer employed by the government to represent indigent defendants.
• Criminal Defense Lawyer: A more specific term emphasizing the specialization in criminal law.
• Defendant: The person whom the defense lawyer represents.
• Prosecutor: The opposing lawyer who represents the state or government in bringing the case against the defendant.

Synonyms

• Defense Attorney
• Defence Counsel (UK)
• Advocate for the Defense
• Legal Representative for the Defendant

Related Phrases

• Legal defense: The overall argument and strategy presented by the defense lawyer.
  • The legal defense was based on a claim of self-defense.
• Right to counsel: The constitutional right to have a defense lawyer.
  • The police read him his rights, including the right to counsel.

Noun

1. the lawyer representing the defendant