Definition

1. Noun:
   • The collective group representing a defendant in a legal proceeding: A "defense team" refers to the defendant and their legal advisors, such as attorneys and lawyers, considered as a single unit working together to provide a legal defense.

Usage

• The term is used primarily in legal contexts to describe the side in a court case that is defending against accusations or charges.
• It functions as a singular collective noun, though it refers to multiple people.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The defense team presented compelling evidence to the jury.
  • A strong defense team is crucial for a fair trial.
  • The judge listened carefully to the arguments from the defense team.

Advanced Usage

• "to assemble a defense team": To gather and hire lawyers and advisors for one's legal defense.
  • The accused billionaire worked quickly to assemble a powerful defense team.
• "the defense team rests": A formal declaration made in court indicating the defense has finished presenting its case.
  • After the final witness, the defense team rested.

Variants and Related Words

• Defense attorney / Defence lawyer (n): An individual lawyer who represents the defendant. (Note: "Defense" is American English; "Defence" is British English).
  • She hired a renowned defense attorney.
• Defense counsel (n): Another term for the legal advisors representing the defendant, often used interchangeably with "defense team."
  • The defense counsel objected to the prosecutor's line of questioning.

Synonyms

• Defense: Can refer to the entire defending side in a court case, including the team.
  • The defense argued for an acquittal.
• Defending party: A more formal term for the group defending against a legal action.

Related Phrases

• For the defense: A phrase used to indicate who or what is acting on behalf of the defendant.
  • Speaking for the defense, the lawyer summarized the key points.
• Lead counsel for the defense: The primary or most senior lawyer on the defense team.
  • The lead counsel for the defense delivered the closing argument.

Noun

1. the defendant and his legal advisors collectively
   • the defense called for a mistrial