Final answer:
In both civil and criminal cases, the defendant has the right to legal representation. If they cannot afford an attorney, they are entitled to a public defender paid by the state. The responsibility for legal and court costs usually falls on the defendant.
Step-by-step explanation:
In both civil and criminal cases, the defendant has the right to legal representation. In civil cases, the plaintiff is the injured party and the defendant is the party accused of causing harm. In criminal cases, the plaintiff is the government and the defendant is the party accused of violating the law. The defendant can choose to hire a defense attorney or, if they cannot afford one, they are entitled to a public defender paid by the state.
Regarding the question of who should pay for legal and court costs, it is typically the responsibility of the defendant. However, if the defendant is found not guilty, they are not required to pay for the other side's legal fees and court costs. Additionally, if they are unable to pay, there may be provisions in place for the state to cover the costs.