Indigent
/ɪnˈdɪdʒənt/
Definitions
- (adj.) Lacking sufficient income or resources to afford legal representation or basic needs.
The court appointed a lawyer for the indigent defendant who could not afford one.
- (n.) A person who is poor and without the financial means to pursue or defend a legal claim.
Indigents are often provided counsel at the state's expense in criminal cases.
Forms
- indigent
Related terms
See also
Commentary
In legal contexts, indigent typically relates to financial incapacity affecting access to legal services; identification often triggers rights to appointed counsel or fee waivers.
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.