A person acting as their own legal representation.
Canonical answers:
Questions tagged [pro-se]
45 questions
10
votes
3 answers
When practicing law pro se, can one have the assistance of a paralegal?
Lawyers often use paralegals and legal assistants to prepare legal documents. While only certified lawyers may practice law, paralegals can still prepare legal documents if a lawyer oversees the work and accepts responsibility for it. With this in…
The Editor
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Cost of lawsuit in federal court
According to my quick research it costs some $500 to file a lawsuit in federal court. Is that all?
Or can such lawsuit become a huge financial and time drain? I would like to hear from people who have done it. From ordinary people with limited…
Radim Cernej
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What resources are available to a pro se litigant?
Suppose I am not a professional lawyer but I have standing and want to bring a case to court pro se. To make this widely applicable and more readily answerable: Suppose I want to file a 42 USC 1983 complaint in U.S. federal court for some violation…
feetwet
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What are the potential pitfalls of representing oneself pro se?
Where do pros se litigants most often fail? Is it because of ignorance of legal protocols? Is it because they use overly aggressive tactics that most lawyers wouldn't use? Is it because they failed to prove their case, when a competent lawyer might…
Libra
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Unable to afford a lawyer, can I go into court by myself?
A lot of people are unable to afford a public defender, so I was wondering if this is possible.
LOSTinNEWYORK
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Can a person appear in court pro se with counsel?
I already know about the possible folly for doing this, so my question is not how wise would this be, but rather:
In some criminal trials, defendants have multiple attorneys working the case. In OJ Simpson's I believe at one time it was 7 with 5 on…
mark b
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1 answer
Can a power of attorney allow you to act "pro se" on behalf of the issuer?
Anyone can represent themselves in a court of law, if he or she doesn't want, or can't afford, a lawyer. On the other hand, only lawyers who have passed the bar in a state are allowed to represent others.
Suppose you have an aging parent (or other…
Libra
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3 answers
How does lawyers' duty of fidelity to court work?
Rules of conduct and client care for lawyers say in Chapter 13:
The overriding duty of a lawyer acting in litigation is to the court
concerned. Subject to this, the lawyer has a duty to act in the best
interests of his or her client without regard…
Greendrake
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4
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3 answers
Does one have to name third parties in a lawsuit?
If someone is indirectly involved in a case but not a defendant, do they have to be specified by name in the complaint? For example, say person A asks their neighbor, person B, if they can borrow five dollars. Person B declines. Person C learns of…
user31745
4
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1 answer
Who is to examine the witness who is the self-represented plaintiff or prosecutor?
Bob is a self-represented plaintiff in a civil case (or, say, private prosecutor in a criminal case). He is also a witness. If the trial is judge-alone aka bench (not jury), he is able to conduct it himself.
At the hearing/trial, Bob (in his…
Greendrake
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What options exist for doing one's own legal work?
To my understanding, you can always represent yourself in court. So when is it a good idea to get a lawyer? I have a relatively simple case but could use a few pointers. I know legal proceedings have lots of administrative technicalities and I could…
Cineast
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When can a defendant in a criminal trial introduce evidence?
I was watching a criminal speeding trial in Texas a few weeks ago. The defendant was acting pro se. A police dash-cam video apparently existed of the incident and the defendant was in possession of it.
The prosecution did not want the police video…
mark b
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1 answer
The right of self-represented detainee/prisoner to do legal research
Bob is arrested awaiting bail or trial (or imprisoned after conviction) but is adamant to represent himself vs get a lawyer. (I agree that practically/tactically this will often be the wrong call even if Bob is a monster lawyer himself with all…
Greendrake
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Can a pro se defendant make statements of fact in his opening and closing arguments?
If a defendant in a criminal case testifies on the stand, then they must submit to cross examination, which is not good for them.
However, if a defendant is conducting his case pro se, then can he make statements of fact during opening and closing…
Cicero
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What is the winning ratio of pro-se defendants in U.S. criminal cases?
In cases where a criminal defendant rejects the service of counsel and defends himself pro se, how often is he acquitted?
Victor
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