What is the role of a public defender?

The role of a public defender is primarily to represent individuals who cannot afford private legal counsel. This public service ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial status, has access to legal representation, which is a fundamental right protected by the Sixth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Public defenders provide legal assistance to defendants in criminal cases, advocating on their behalf during trials, plea negotiations, and sentencing proceedings. They work to ensure that their clients receive fair treatment within the judicial system.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately represent the role of a public defender. The responsibilities of overseeing legal proceedings in a courtroom typically belong to judges, not defenders. Compiling evidence for prosecution is the function of the state's attorneys or prosecutors, whose job is to bring the case against the accused. Likewise, advising the police during investigations is not within the purview of public defenders; this function is usually the domain of legal advisors or prosecutors who guide law enforcement on legal matters as investigations unfold.