Also known as: in pro per · pro se
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A manner of proceeding in court in which a party appears and litigates without counsel.
Idina Iverson, a sitting judge, owned a disputed parcel of land and faced a boundary challenge from a neighbor. She filed all pleadings herself, appeared at hearings without counsel, and presented arguments directly to the court. The filings succeeded because the rules permit a judge to act in propria persona in personal legal matters.
India Inoue was charged with theft and told the court she wished to handle her defense alone. After the judge confirmed the waiver was knowing and intelligent, India conducted voir dire, cross-examined witnesses, and delivered closing argument without an attorney. The trial proceeded with her in propria persona throughout.
Select any source to read its text and confirm it supports the definition.
Ilana Isaacs lost a contract case and chose to challenge the judgment without hiring new counsel. She prepared and filed her own appellate brief, appeared at oral argument, and responded to questions from the bench. The court accepted the filings because a party may proceed in propria persona on appeal.
Ivan Ivanov received a tax deficiency notice and elected to contest it in Tax Court without representation. He submitted his own petition, responded to discovery, and argued the case at trial. The proceeding advanced with Ivan appearing in propria persona.
Ingrid Innes sued under the Alien Tort Statute after an alleged detention abroad. She filed the complaint herself, served process, and opposed dismissal motions without counsel. The district court allowed the action to continue while she remained in propria persona.
Imani Idowu faced federal charges and declined appointed counsel during plea negotiations. She met directly with prosecutors, discussed terms, and entered a plea agreement on the record without an attorney present. The court accepted the plea after confirming her knowing choice to proceed in propria persona.
No. Judicial conduct rules permit a judge to act pro se in personal matters and to give uncompensated advice or draft documents for family members, but they expressly prohibit a judge from serving as the family member's lawyer in any forum. Active courtroom advocacy on behalf of a relative crosses the line into prohibited practice of law.
Yes. The Sixth Amendment right to self-representation permits a defendant who validly waives counsel to conduct the defense personally, including voir dire, witness examination, and argument. The court must ensure the waiver is knowing and intelligent before allowing the defendant to proceed without counsel.
Yes. Once counsel files a notice of appearance, subsequent papers must be served on the attorney rather than the party. Continued direct service on the formerly pro se party after the appearance violates the service rules and can lead to sanctions or extensions.
…Judith Resnik ; for the National Network to End Domestic Violence et al. by Bruce D. Sokler ; and for Joseph R. Biden, Jr., pro se . Briefs of amici curiae urging affirmance were filed for the State of Alabama by Bill Pryor , Attorney General, John J. Park, Jr. , Assistant Attorney General, and Jeffrey S.…