The term "pro se" is Latin, meaning "for oneself" or "on behalf of oneself." It is a practice where individuals represent themselves in pending legal proceedings before administrative bodies or courts. Pro se representation is Constitutionally protected but frowned upon in most courts. An example of pro se representation is representing yourself or your business in court without an attorney. Or, you could be involved in a lawsuit where the other side is self-represented.
There are valid grounds for pro se representation in certain circumstances. But there are other reasons why the procedure is not looked upon favorably and may, in fact, place individuals in legal peril.
The Roots of Pro Se Representation
The venerable tradition of self-representation in legal matters is also embedded in the U.S. Constitution. Although pro se is not expressly covered in the Constitution, courts have held that an individual is legally entitled to self-representation.
There are a number of reasons why individuals elect to represent themselves pro se. They include strong personal views about a particular matter, refusal or inability to work with legal counsel, and inability to find legal counsel who is willing to work with an individual, often because of the position taken by the pro se party in the litigation.
But the driving force for much pro se litigation is economics. The high cost of legal representation often leads individuals to represent themselves. This trend has been branching out in recent years as legal fees and expenses continue to mount. Courts may even make exceptions to this limitation on occasion.
There are a number of restrictions courts impose on pro se litigation. They include instances in which individuals are unduly disruptive, clearly lacking in knowledge, or have engaged in improper or abusive practices. There is a growing tendency, although occasionally controversial, for courts to proscribe litigation by individuals who repeatedly engage in abusive tactics while litigating pro se. The practice of self-representation or pro se litigation can be either a boon or a bane to litigants.
A List of Pro Se Limitations
There are, however, a number of limitations that courts impose upon pro se litigation. In Minnesota, for example, organizations such as corporations or other businesses cannot represent themselves, although Conciliation Court allows pro se representation with proper written authorization. Corporate entities are considered in the eyes of the law as a separate individual and generally need to be represented by legal counsel, rather than an individual or even the proprietor of the business. However, more obligations and obstacles on courts and litigants in connection with pro se litigation.
Adversaries also are wary of dealing with pro se litigants. Because they often are unfamiliar with legal procedures, pro se litigants can create confusion and frustration for other parties, which tend to drive up the time and cost involved in litigation.
How To Represent Yourself
Some of these problems can be avoided by a mixture of pro se litigation coupled with professional advice. On occasion, the benefits of pro se litigation can be achieved while avoiding some of its detriments.
An individual can represent themself but have informal advice or counsel furnished by a lawyer without the lawyer making a formal appearance on behalf of the litigant. By staying in the background or on the sidelines, the lawyer can offer guidance to a pro se party without the litigant incurring a substantial legal expense.
Pro se litigation remains an important right for individuals, but, like other rights and privileges, it can be abused and misused. Prudent practice generally dictates that, except in relatively minor matters, individuals should not engage in representing themselves. While pro se practice is of ancient origin, so too is the old saying: "People who represent themselves have fools for clients."
Pro se litigation poses a number of problems for both self-represented individuals and their adversaries. Litigants who are proceeding on a pro se basis usually are held to the same legal standards as attorneys. This means that if they fail to follow court rules and regulations, they are subject to litigation sanctions, and the excuse that they are not legally trained may often fall on deaf ears.
Pro se litigants are often viewed askance by judges and other adjudicators. Judges prefer to deal with lawyers, who are more accustomed to legal procedures, and they fear that they must often bend over backward to assist pro se litigants, even though they are not legally obliged to do so.