The Indiana Supreme Court and the Marion County Circuit Court have produced a set of videos designed to inform litigants of their rights and responsibilities in small claims court proceedings. These videos—both a statewide version and a version specific to Marion County small claims—are available online at courts.in.gov/3966.htm. The Indiana Bar Foundation also assisted with the project. If you would like to request … [Read more...] about Small Claims Court Litigants: Informational Self-Help Videos Available on Judicial Website
Pro Se
Access to Justice Workshop
“Because we’re here, I hope one less person is going to be a victim of domestic violence, one less person is going to be denied their benefits, one less person is going to feel shut out of the legal system that they thought was a promise to all of us.” This was expressed by Justice Nathan Hecht of the Texas Supreme Court during the Access to Justice Workshop. The workshop was held on March 22nd and 23rd at the State … [Read more...] about Access to Justice Workshop
Best Practices in Dealing with Self-Represented Litigants
[Editor's Note: This is the second in a series of four articles from the Ethics and Professionalism Committee of the Indiana Judicial Conference. The author thanks and acknowledges the contributions of those who attended the session at the September, 2010, Judicial Conference in Indianapolis and contributed to the “Best Practices” suggestions related here.] Dealing with self-represented litigants presents many cha … [Read more...] about Best Practices in Dealing with Self-Represented Litigants
Supreme Court Website Helps Courts Manage Self-Represented Litigants
Almost every trial judge knows that there is a growing number of litigants who represent themselves in court, either by choice or because they cannot afford to hire attorneys. In 2008, more than 400,000 people represented themselves in Indiana trial courts. Those individuals may go to court without the benefit of an attorney, but that doesn’t mean the self-represented litigant must do so without some guidance. The … [Read more...] about Supreme Court Website Helps Courts Manage Self-Represented Litigants
New Roads Ahead for Self-Represented Litigants
Almost 10 years ago, a small team of individuals headed west to learn about the latest findings and information concerning the rising trend in “pro se litigation.” With the leadership, vision, and support of Indiana Supreme Court Chief Justice Randall T. Shepard, Judge David Coleman (Hendricks), Judge Gregory Donat (Tippecanoe) and Staci Terry, Esq. (formerly with Indiana Legal Services) attended the National Conf … [Read more...] about New Roads Ahead for Self-Represented Litigants