Final answer:
Public defenders are court-appointed attorneys paid by the government to represent those who cannot afford legal representation, as mandated by the Gideon v. Wainwright Supreme Court case.
Step-by-step explanation:
Court-appointed defense attorneys, whose fees are paid at a set rate by local or state government, are commonly referred to as public defenders. These legal professionals play a critical role in the justice system by ensuring that everyone has access to legal representation, regardless of their financial situation.
This was affirmed by the landmark Supreme Court case, Gideon v. Wainwright, which established the right to an attorney for all defendants facing serious criminal charges. The decision mandated that courts must provide a defense attorney to individuals who cannot afford one, dismantling prior protocols where only those with resources could secure legal counsel. The Gideon ruling also addressed issues concerning the quality of representation, ultimately shaping the current landscape where the effectiveness of counsel is crucial for a fair trial.