Standby Counsel
/ˈstændˌbaɪ ˈkaʊnsəl/
Definitions
- (n.) An attorney appointed by the court to assist a self-represented defendant during trial, generally intervening only if the defendant requests or requires help.
The judge appointed a standby counsel to assist the defendant during his pro se trial in case legal advice was needed.
Forms
- standby counsel
Related terms
See also
Commentary
Standby counsel serves as a safeguard to ensure the defendant's rights are protected without infringing on the defendant's decision to self-represent.
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.