Pflichtverteidigung
court-appointed defence (mandatory assignment of a defence lawyer)
noun PFLIKHT-fer-tye-di-gung Rare
Usage Note
Pflichtverteidigung arises when the state appoints a lawyer (Pflichtverteidiger) to represent an accused who cannot afford one or where the law requires representation — for example in serious criminal cases. The appointed lawyer is paid from public funds and has the same duties as a privately retained defence lawyer.
Examples
"Da der Angeklagte mittellos war, ordnete das Gericht eine Pflichtverteidigung an."
Natural Translation
Since the accused was destitute, the court ordered a court-appointed defence.
Literal Translation
Since the accused was without means, the court ordered a mandatory-defence.
Related Words
- Abmahnschreiben formal warning letter (demanding cessation of unlawful conduct)
- Abschiebung deportation
- Akteneinsicht access to files
- Amtsgericht local court
- Amtspflicht official duty; duty of care owed by a public official
- Anfechtungsklage action for annulment
- Angeklagte defendant
- Anhörung hearing; right to be heard (before a decision is made)
Explore German by topic
