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effective assistance of counsel

effective assistance of counsel definition - legal

n

Diligent, competent legal representation in a criminal case that meets the minimum standards of due care expected of an attorney.   Failure to receive effective assistance of counsel is a common basis for appeal in serious criminal matters, particularly death penalty cases. 

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2006 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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