Litigants in Person in the Civil Justice System: In Their Own Words

People represent themselves in court for various reasons, and the book "Litigant in Person: The First Full-Length Account of LiP Experiences" explores what works and what doesn't for self-represented parties. It provides insight into the experiences of Litigants in Person and suggests ways to improve their experiences to make the civil justice system fairer.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 18 April 2024
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Why do people represent themselves? What works and what doesn't for self-represented parties? And how can we improve Litigant in Person (LiP) experiences to make the civil justice system fairer?

Based on in-depth interviews with individuals who have acted as Litigants in Person in the civil courts, the book provides the first full-length account of LiP experiences. The author shines a light on how much we don't know about LiPs, the civil justice system, and LiPs' place within it, as well as the kinds of things we ought to be doing to improve access to justice for unrepresented parties.

Perfect for scholars of administrative justice, access to justice, court reform, and legal aid, as well as government bodies and non-profit organizations, this book generates insight into meaningful methods of what works and what doesn't work for self-represented parties, based on the real-life experiences of LiPs.

The book begins by exploring the reasons why people choose to represent themselves in court. It highlights the various factors that can lead individuals to take on this responsibility, including financial constraints, a lack of access to legal services, and a belief in their ability to navigate the legal system on their own.

The author then delves into the challenges that self-represented parties face in the civil justice system. They discuss the lack of legal knowledge and expertise, the emotional toll of representing oneself, and the difficulties in navigating the court system's complex procedures and rules.

The book also provides valuable insights into what works and what doesn't for self-represented parties. It highlights the strategies that successful LiPs use to navigate the court system, such as being organized, prepared, and persistent. It also identifies the common mistakes that LiPs make, such as failing to properly present their cases or ignoring legal deadlines.

To improve LiP experiences, the book offers several recommendations. It suggests that the civil justice system should provide more resources and support for self-represented parties, such as legal clinics, self-help resources, and educational programs. It also calls for increased access to legal services, particularly for low-income individuals and communities of color.

The book also emphasizes the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion in the legal profession. It suggests that lawyers should be more willing to work with self-represented parties and should provide them with the same level of respect and attention as represented parties.

In conclusion, this book provides a valuable contribution to the literature on Litigant in Person (LiP) experiences in the civil justice system. It sheds light on the reasons why people represent themselves, the challenges they face, and the strategies that can help them succeed. By offering recommendations for improving LiP experiences, the book aims to make the civil justice system fairer and more accessible for all individuals.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509948321