ADVOCATE

One who assists, defends, or pleads for another; one who renders legal advice and aid and pleads the cause of another before a court. A person learned in the law, and duly admitted to practice, who assists his client with advice, and pleads for him in open court. Holthouse. The College or Faculty of Advocates is a corporate body in Scotland, consisting of the members of the bar in Edinburgh. A large portion of its members are not active practitioners, however. 2 Bankt. Inst. 486. In the civil and ecclesiastical law. An officer of the court, learned in the law, who is engaged by a suitor to maintain or defend his cause. Advocate general. The adviser of the crown in England on questions of naval and military law. Advocate, lord. The principal crown lawyer in Scotland, and one of the great officers of state of Scotland. It is his duty to act as public prosecutor; but private individuals injured may prosecute upon obtaining his concurrence. He is assisted by a solicitor general and four junior counsel, termed “advocates depute.” He has the power of appearing as public prosecutor in any court in Scotland, where any person can be tried for an, offense, or in any action where the crown is interested. Wharton. Advocate, Queen’s. A member of the College of Advocates, appointed by letters patent, whose office is to advise and act as counsel for the crown in questions of civil, canon, and international law. His rank is next after the solicitor general.