Effective Assistance of Counsel
/ɪˈfɛktɪv əˈsɪstəns ʌv ˈkaʊnsəl/
Definitions
- (n.) The constitutional right of a criminal defendant to receive competent and reasonably diligent legal representation during trial and other critical proceedings.
The defendant claimed a violation of his right to effective assistance of counsel due to his attorney's failure to call key witnesses.
Forms
- effective assistance of counsel
Related terms
See also
Commentary
The term is central in criminal law and constitutional law, often analyzed under the Strickland v. Washington standard assessing counsel's performance and prejudice to the defendant.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.