### Question
How does the law define public defender?


### Answer
Under *42 U.S.C. § 3797cc*, **public defender** is defined as:

> an attorney who—


(A) is continually licensed to practice law

#### Citation:
  - *42 U.S.C. § 3797cc*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 46-JUSTICE SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT > SUBCHAPTER XX&ndash;A-LOAN REPAYMENT FOR PROSECUTORS AND PUBLIC DEFENDERS**

