What is the role of a public defender?

The role of a public defender is to represent defendants who cannot afford an attorney. Public defenders are appointed by the court to ensure that individuals facing criminal charges have access to legal representation, which is a right guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This is essential in protecting the rights of those who may be vulnerable due to financial constraints, ensuring that everyone receives a fair trial and legal counsel.

Public defenders typically handle a high volume of cases and work within the public defense system, which is designed to provide adequate legal support for those unable to hire private attorneys. Their responsibilities include counseling clients, negotiating plea deals, conducting trials, and advocating for the best possible outcomes in their clients' cases.

The other choices pertain to different roles within the legal system. Prosecutors handle the prosecution of criminal cases, judges preside over court proceedings and make decisions based on the law, while law enforcement may receive legal advice from attorneys but are not the focus of the public defender's responsibilities. Therefore, representing defendants who lack financial resources is the essence of what public defenders do.