Pro Se

Also known as: Representing Oneself, Self-Representation

From the Latin pro se (Latin: "for oneself").

In one sentence

Representing yourself in court without a lawyer.

Plain English

Pro se means you are your own lawyer in a legal case—you represent yourself instead of hiring an attorney. People choose pro se representation for various reasons: cost, preference for control, or inability to afford counsel. Courts allow this, though judges will still expect you to follow the rules of procedure and evidence, and you won't receive special treatment just because you're untrained in law.

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Example

A defendant who cannot afford a public defender and does not qualify for one decides to represent himself at trial. He files his own motions, cross-examines witnesses, and presents his own defense—all pro se.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant chose to proceed pro se rather than accept the public defender assigned to her case.”

Related terms

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

Plea Bargain

A negotiated agreement where a defendant pleads guilty in exchange for reduced charges or sentencing.

Bench Trial

A trial where a judge, not a jury, decides guilt or innocence.

adjudication hearing

A court proceeding where a judge hears evidence and makes a formal decision about a legal matter.

appeal bond

Money or security posted to allow a convicted defendant to remain free while appealing their conviction.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.