Pro per - sustany/dvg GitHub Wiki

The term �pro per� is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase �in propria persona,� meaning �in their own person,� and it refers to a situation where a litigant represents themselves, without a lawyer. Pro per is synonymous with the more commonly used term pro se.

The�Sixth Amendment�guarantees criminal defendants the right to representation by counsel, and although the Sixth Amendment does not explicitly refer to self-representation, that right is necessarily implied. Thus, a defendant may elect to waive the right to counsel and represent themselves.

There are several instances where pro per representation is commonly prohibited. Generally, a corporation may not appear in court in pro per, pro se litigants cannot bring a class action suit, and a nonlawyer who is the executor or personal representative of an estate may not appear in�pro�per.

The right to self-representation may also be denied if:�

• The defendant is unable to abide by rules of procedure and courtroom protocol.
• The defendant is unable to communicate effectively, for example, where the defendant has a severe speech impediment.
• The defendant is not mentally competent.