jailhouse lawyer

American  

[jeyl-hous law-yer, loi-er] / ˈdʒeɪlˌhaʊs ˈlɔ yər, ˈlɔɪ ər /

noun

1. a prisoner who has studied law on their own while serving time, is knowledgeable about technical legal matters, and gives legal advice, especially to fellow prisoners.

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Etymology

Origin of jailhouse lawyer

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30;

Example Sentences

He’s a talented thespian who also writes plays; a gentle man, a mentor and a self-described jailhouse lawyer who is preparing for his parole hearing.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 6, 2025

At the same time, he is haunted by the pleas of those he left behind, some of whom see this former jailhouse lawyer as their best hope.

From Washington Times • Feb. 8, 2020

I completed a paralegal course and became a bootleg jailhouse lawyer.

From New York Times • Oct. 16, 2018

This summer, Tiffany is a research assistant for Shon Hopwood, a professor whose unusual story — he became a jailhouse lawyer after serving time for bank robbery — has made him a media darling.

From Washington Post • Aug. 13, 2018

After that, they have to either learn the law themselves or find a jailhouse lawyer to help them.

From The New Yorker • Jun. 13, 2016