What is a pro se litigant?

A pro se litigant is an individual who represents themselves in a court of law, instead of hiring a lawyer to handle their case. This is commonly referred to as “going it alone” or “self-representation.” In South Carolina, pro se litigants can appear in both civil and criminal cases. When appearing in court without a lawyer, a pro se litigant has the same right to argument, cross-examination, and appeal as litigants with representation. However, pro se litigants should keep in mind that representing themselves can be a difficult endeavor, and they may not have the same understanding of legal proceedings as trained lawyers. In addition, pro se litigants may face significant disadvantages. For example, pro se litigants assume responsibility for understanding legal precedent and the applicable laws, which can be a significant challenge. It is also difficult for pro se litigants to conduct successful cross-examination or other legal tactics, as they often lack the experience and knowledge of practice and procedure employed by lawyers. It is important to note that, in South Carolina, pro se litigants are subject to the same ethical standards as those with trained representation. As such, pro se litigants should be mindful of their legal obligations and must comply with all applicable laws.

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