Case: A citizen is accused of committing a robbery. He cannot afford to and requests that the go vernme ent provide him with one, at no cost to him.The government says it is not required to provide a defendant with a lawyer except in capital (murder cases. The governme nt denies the request. Issue: Do defendants have the right to request a lawyer to help with their defense? Why or why not?

In many legal systems, defendants have the right to request a lawyer to help with their defense. This right is often enshrined in constitutional or statutory provisions that guarantee the right to legal representation. For example, in the United States, the Sixth Amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right to counsel in criminal prosecutions.<br /><br />However, the government may not be required to provide a lawyer for every defendant in every case. There are typically exceptions, such as when the defendant can afford to hire a lawyer or when the case does not involve serious charges that could result in significant penalties, such as imprisonment.<br /><br />In the case you described, if the government is not required to provide a lawyer except in capital cases, it would mean that the defendant does not qualify for a government-provided lawyer unless the charges are related to a capital offense. In such a scenario, the defendant would need to find a lawyer on their own or seek assistance from a legal aid organization if they cannot afford one.<br /><br />The rationale behind providing lawyers for defendants, especially in serious cases, is to ensure that the defendant has a fair trial and that their rights are protected. Legal representation can help defendants navigate the complexities of the legal system, prepare a defense, and present evidence effectively.<br /><br />In summary, defendants generally have the right to request a lawyer, but the obligation for the government to provide one depends on the jurisdiction and the nature of the charges.