What is covered under this topic?

This topic provides information, resources, and solutions to respond to the increasing numbers of pro se litigants seeking effective access to the courts. Covered topics include unbundling private legal services, expanding pro bono pools, simplifying court processes and procedures, and self-help centers.

IMPORTANCE--Why is this a priority for the courts?

Over the last several years, courts have experienced a tremendous increase in the number of litigants that are representing themselves. These litigants pose special challenges for courts in terms of staff time to answer questions and provide general assistance, the types of information staff can provide as nonlawyers, delays in court proceedings, and preserving the fairness of proceedings when at least one litigant is not represented by counsel. Despite these challenges, courts recognize that they have a duty to ensure meaningful access for all litigants. “The challenge facing the courts today is how to deal with this growing crisis in order to best serve the public, ensure equal access to justice for all citizens, provide for efficient case management, and maintain the integrity of the judicial process” (Conference of State Court Administrators, 2000, p. 1).

References

• Conference of State Court Administrators. (2000, August). Position paper on self-represented litigation. Williamsburg, VA: National Center for State Courts.
• Conference of Chief Justices and Conference of State Court Administrators. (2002, July). Final report of the joint task force on pro se litigation. Williamsburg, VA: National Center for State Courts.
• Hannaford, P. (2002). Access to justice: Meeting the needs of self-represented litigants. Executive summary. Williamsburg, VA: National Center for State Courts.
• Hough, Bonnie.  Self-Represented Litigants. Powerpoint presentation at the Annual Meeting of the National Association for Court Management, July 14, 2005.

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