Pro Se
A Latin term meaning "for oneself" — referring to a party who represents themselves in court without an attorney.
Pro se representation (also called "pro per" in some states) means representing yourself in legal proceedings. Every person has the constitutional right to represent themselves in civil and criminal matters, though in criminal cases the court must ensure the defendant understands the risks of self-representation. Judges are instructed to give pro se litigants some procedural latitude, but the substantive legal standards are the same as for represented parties.
Pro se representation makes sense in straightforward matters: small claims, uncontested divorces, simple landlord-tenant disputes, or name changes. It is high-risk in complex civil litigation, custody disputes, criminal cases, or matters involving significant assets or liberty. Procedural missteps — missed deadlines, improperly served documents, or failure to respond to motions — can result in dismissal or default judgment regardless of the merits.
Many courts have self-help centers, legal aid societies, and form libraries to assist pro se litigants. "Unbundled" legal services (hiring an attorney for specific tasks like drafting a motion or coaching on procedure while handling the rest yourself) is a middle ground that reduces cost while managing risk.
Real-World Example
The tenant faced eviction and couldn't afford an attorney; she used the courthouse self-help center, filed a pro se Answer raising the habitability defense, and successfully negotiated a month's extension to find new housing.