Self Representation in Court

[Redstripe]

Meaning what exactly?

 

I don't know you so its not related to you as a person I was agreeing with your advice is all.

[999tigger]

I don't know you so its not related to you as a person I was agreeing with your advice is all.

 

Ah ok. The reason I mentioned it was a slight reference to the OP's comment was that it was all so confusing. If a person is willing to research and are reasonably smart, confident and well organised, then I think they can go for it.

 

If they dont understand what you are doing, then it can be confusing, they might not represent yourself well and do more harm than good.

 

If the OP felt let down by their previous lawyers, then he could write down the points he wants making and discuss them with his lawyer. They might say yay or nay depending whether it was relevant or not as well as explain their approach. In that case they get their case across with the lawyers assistance, which is what they are there to do anyway.

 

There are plenty of guides on self representation, so the OP can spend time familiarising himself with whats involved and then think whether he has enough confidence in himself to proceed with it. I doubt its uncommon, but not my area.

[Anna B]

It's disgraceful that proper representation is beyond the pocket of the ordinary man these days, and probably against Magna Carta, but don't despair. As I was told by someone who should know on here, solicitors, barristers etc have nothing to do with justice, they have to do with the law...

 

Depends on the case of course, but you might have a better chance of getting justice on your own.

 

Good luck.

[ECCOnoob]

. As I was told by someone who should know on here, solicitors, barristers etc have nothing to do with justice, they have to do with the law..

 

What are you on about???

[yourhouse]

I have represented myself fairly recently.

 

The court officers were not much help despite my enquiries. The judge strongly objected to my not having any legal representation, was bordering on rudeness. He made a judgement that I was unable to keep, and when I politely explained this he was entirely dismissive. It is my belief that there was no suggestion that justice was involved.

 

The justice system doesn't like self-representation because they like people to know what they are doing and do not have the patience for the general public who have little or no experience of the process or the law.

 

As it happened, with help, I was able to satisfy the judges order. It was also suggested to me that I could request that at the next hearing I could request another judge - which is exactly what I have done.

 

It is not for the faint-hearted, regardless of how much research you have done. The system is heavily against self-representation and the legal system is available to protect those who can afford to defend themselves.

[999tigger]

I have represented myself fairly recently.

 

The court officers were not much help despite my enquiries. The judge strongly objected to my not having any legal representation, was bordering on rudeness. He made a judgement that I was unable to keep, and when I politely explained this he was entirely dismissive. It is my belief that there was no suggestion that justice was involved.

 

The justice system doesn't like self-representation because they like people to know what they are doing and do not have the patience for the general public who have little or no experience of the process or the law.

 

As it happened, with help, I was able to satisfy the judges order. It was also suggested to me that I could request that at the next hearing I could request another judge - which is exactly what I have done.

 

It is not for the faint-hearted, regardless of how much research you have done. The system is heavily against self-representation and the legal system is available to protect those who can afford to defend themselves.

 

Tbf its complicated and thats why people study and train hard for years.

If you arent prepared and dont know what you are doing , then it's not the courts job to start educating you. You cnat expect it all to go smoothly when you start operating on yourself, building your own house, doing your own accounts.

 

It's doable if you are confident in your abilities, but it will only accommodate your lack of knowledge so far. See if you do any better with a different judge.

[onewheeldave]

Tbf its complicated and thats why people study and train hard for years.

If you arent prepared and dont know what you are doing , then it's not the courts job to start educating you. You cnat expect it all to go smoothly when you start operating on yourself, building your own house, doing your own accounts.

 

It's doable if you are confident in your abilities, but it will only accommodate your lack of knowledge so far. See if you do any better with a different judge.

 

Justice and truth don't require years of training, but, the courts aren't much concerned with justice and truth.

 

It's worth reflecting on the fact that many who go the way of self representation simply cannot afford the outrageous fees- they have no choice.

[ECCOnoob]

Justice and truth don't require years of training, but, the courts aren't much concerned with justice and truth.

 

It's worth reflecting on the fact that many who go the way of self representation simply cannot afford the outrageous fees- they have no choice.

 

Nonsense.

 

You clearly have no idea what is involved to hear and determine a case.

 

"Justice" applies to both parties. Not just YOU

 

A Judge will hear the case as presented from BOTH sides, consider the vast range of laws that may/may not apply and give a determination to the relevant party dependent on the application of the same.

 

Oh, and as for those "outrageous" fees, just how much do you think you should be paying for a professional service undertaken by a practitioner who has studied for 7 years and undertakes vast amounts of research, preparation and correspondence in order to prepare a case for Court.

 

Dont forget to add on your Court fees, Expert fees, Disclosure, Specialist Reports and Counsel fees....

 

Amazing how most qualified professionals such as Doctors, Teachers, Social Workers, Accountants, Engineers, IT workers and Police Officers are respected for their skills and knowledge.

 

Soon as people mention Lawyers its all ".. I could do that myself" "greedy" "scum". Fine do it yourself then. Make a hash of it and face the consequences of the other side chasing you for their costs.

 

Its a professional service. It costs money. Such is life.

Edited June 15, 2016 by ECCOnoob

[999tigger]

Justice and truth don't require years of training, but, the courts aren't much concerned with justice and truth.

 

It's worth reflecting on the fact that many who go the way of self representation simply cannot afford the outrageous fees- they have no choice.

 

Nonsense.

 

They are very concerned with the rule of law and ensuring its application. That's the whole point of having a legal system

 

They are concerned with truth and you will commit an offence if you do not tell it.

 

They do prefer an adversarial system rather an investigatory one, but there are advantages.

 

Anyway carry on being outraged. I doubt there are many family lawyers minting it in. Be careful who you marry.

[Gamston]

Justice and truth don't require years of training, but, the courts aren't much concerned with justice and truth.

 

It's worth reflecting on the fact that many who go the way of self representation simply cannot afford the outrageous fees- they have no choice.

Well said.

 

The legal profession including judges don't encourage self representation because they want to protecct the high fees their industry charge. It's been on the news this week about the £2 million legal bill for the South Yorkshire chief constable, which taxpayers will have paid for. Nowadays with the help of the internet there is plenty of legal knowledge easily obtainable without years of training. Many people in the legal profession can be compaired to supermarket cashiers easily replaced by self service tills. The bankers get plenty of negative publicity, but it is the legal profession who are the real villains of our society as a consequence of their parasite extortionate fee charging policy.