But the Constitution guaranteed competent counsel, and they didn't have a very high opinion of public defenders.

Most Americans know that defendants have a constitutional right to competent counsel.

But competent counsel is also a constitutional obligation of a defense lawyer.

"Captain, you might want to look into more competent counsel than me."

"We take great care to try and appoint competent counsel."

"in the way that it deprives her of competent counsel."

None of these children has been provided with competent legal counsel, as required by Philippine law.

"We had competent outside counsel who were giving me independent views."

I assume you will conduct youself as a competent counsel.

Most important, it will require appointment of competent counsel at state death penalty trials.