public defender

noun

: a lawyer usually holding public office whose duty is to defend accused persons unable to pay for legal assistance

Examples of public defender in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In one case, the city’s advocacy led a judge to impose $1,000 bail for a homeless man arrested for sleeping on the beach, over the objection of a public defender who disputed a police report that said the man refused assistance and shelter. Aaron Leibowitz, Miami Herald, 10 Apr. 2025 Her public defender did not respond to a request for comment. Chris Spargo, People.com, 10 Apr. 2025 His public defender was not immediately available for comment. Kc Baker, People.com, 9 Apr. 2025 His public defender suggested last week that a scammer could be responsible for the bomb threat, alleging that Branham had previously been scammed by people posing as Johansson online, according to E! Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 9 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for public defender

Word History

First Known Use

1822, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of public defender was in 1822

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Cite this Entry

“Public defender.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/public%20defender. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.

Legal Definition

public defender

noun
: a lawyer usually holding public office who represents criminal defendants unable to pay for legal assistance

More from Merriam-Webster on public defender

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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