Definition

Noun: 1. A lawyer who argues a case in a court of law: A "pleader" is a legal professional, typically an attorney or barrister, whose primary function is to present arguments and evidence on behalf of a client before a judge or court. 2. One who makes a plea or earnest appeal: In a broader, non-legal sense, a "pleader" can be someone who makes a sincere and urgent request or argument for something.

Examples

• Noun (Legal):
  • The skilled pleader presented a compelling argument that convinced the jury.
  • In the high-profile case, the defendant hired a famous pleader.
• Noun (General Appeal):
  • She was a passionate pleader for environmental causes, always urging others to take action.
  • He acted as a pleader for mercy on behalf of his friend.

Advanced Usage

• "Special pleader": Historically, this term referred to a lawyer who specialized in drawing up special pleas (detailed legal arguments). In modern, often critical usage, it can describe a person who argues a case using biased or misleading reasoning, emphasizing only the points that support their side.
  • He wasn't interested in the full truth; he was just a special pleader for his own agenda.

Variants and Related Words

• Plead (verb): To make an earnest appeal; to argue a case in court; to state one's case in a legal proceeding.
  • The lawyer will plead for a reduced sentence.
  • How do you plead to the charge?
• Pleading (noun): The formal statement of a party's claims or defenses in a legal case; the act of making an earnest appeal.
  • The legal team filed their pleading with the court.
  • Her eyes were full of pleading.
• Pleadable (adjective): Capable of being pleaded or argued in court.

Synonyms

• Advocate: A person who publicly supports or recommends a particular cause or policy; a professional pleader in court.
• Attorney: A person appointed to act for another in business or legal matters.
• Barrister (UK, etc.): A lawyer entitled to practice as an advocate in higher courts.
• Counsel: A lawyer or team of lawyers conducting a case.
• Intercessor: A person who intervenes on behalf of another, especially by prayer or petition.

Related Phrases

• To plead a case: To argue or present a case in court.
  • She is qualified to plead cases before the Supreme Court.
• To plead guilty/not guilty: To formally declare in court that one is guilty or not guilty of a charge.
  • The defendant decided to plead not guilty.
• To plead for something: To make an emotional and earnest request for something.
  • The refugees pleaded for help.
• To plead ignorance: To claim that one did not know something as an excuse.
  • When asked about the missing files, he simply pleaded ignorance.

Noun

1. a lawyer who pleads cases in court