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Simple English definitions for legal terms
indigent
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A quick definition of indigent:
Term: Indigent
Definition: Indigent means that a person is very poor and cannot afford basic things like food, clothing, and shelter. If someone is indigent and has to go to court, they have the right to a lawyer who will be paid for by the government. In some cases, an indigent person may not have to pay certain court fees.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: Indigent refers to a person who is extremely poor and cannot afford basic necessities of life.
For example, a homeless person who cannot afford food, shelter, or clothing is considered indigent. In legal terms, an indigent defendant has the right to court-appointed representation, as established by the Supreme Court in the case of Gideon v. Wainwright in 1963. This means that if someone is accused of a crime but cannot afford a lawyer, the court will provide one for them.
In some cases, an indigent person may also be exempt from paying court fees or other fees related to legal proceedings, such as in divorce or parental rights cases.
Overall, the term indigent refers to a person who is living in extreme poverty and cannot afford basic necessities or legal representation without assistance.