Self-Representation is a Right!
The American legal justice system recognized the right of each individual to represent themselves in a court of law. Small claims court is where individuals must represent themselves without benefit of an attorney. Small Claims Court has helpful online and help-lines for the individual and the process is extremely simple. But if a case merits Superior Court, which is based on type or amount of damages being claimed, the legal protocols are highly technical with an unforgiving calendar of deadlines. In the higher courts, self-representation requires rigourous self-education and the use of a multitude of self-help tools. These tools range from legal kits, to self-help books, internet research of case law and court protocols, to the use of paralegal assistance when permitted by law.