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A public defender is an attorney employed by the government specifically to represent individuals who are unable to afford legal representation in criminal cases. This role is crucial in upholding the constitutional right to counsel, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their financial status, have access to legal assistance. Public defenders typically work for a public defender's office and are skilled in criminal law, advocating for their clients' rights and interests throughout the judicial process.

Other terms like "legal aid attorney" and "court-appointed attorney" are related but may not define the same role across the board. Legal aid attorneys often work for nonprofit organizations focusing on civil legal issues rather than criminal defense, while court-appointed attorneys can include a broader range of lawyers assigned to represent defendants, including those who typically engage in private practice. Thus, identifying an attorney funded by the government to defend those who cannot afford one as a public defender is accurate and reflects the structural focus on providing adequate legal representation in the criminal justice system.