jailhouse lawyer

American  

[jeyl-hous law-yer, loi-er] / ˈdʒeɪlˌhaʊs ˈlɔ jər, 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

See Examples For:

jailhouse lawyer

“I didn’t know they were supposed to do a declaration until I got with a jailhouse lawyer and he told me what they were supposed to do,” Spikes said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 21, 2023

With a new attitude, he began visiting the prison law library, where he met Michael “Minkah” Norwood, Lewisburg’s legendary jailhouse lawyer.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 14, 2023

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

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