defense lawyer
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- the lawyer representing the defendant