The Public Defender is an American legal drama television series that was broadcast on CBS from March 11, 1954, to June 23, 1955.

"[2] Episodes were adapted from actual cases that occurred across the United States when people accused of crimes who could not afford an attorney were provided with one at no charge to them.

[4] Producer Hal Roach Jr. initially was concerned that the series might encounter a shortage of ideas for stories, but as it progressed "a rich vein of dramatic material" was found to be available.

[7] Mort Lewis and Sam Shayon created The Public Defender, which was produced by Hal Roach Studios/Official Films.

[11] Hal Erickson, in his book, Encyclopedia of Television Law Shows: Factual and Fictional Series About Judges, Lawyers and the Courtroom, 1948-2008, wrote, "Public Defender was distinguished by a mile-wide streak of maudlin sentimentality.