Legal Definitions - in pro per

In pro per is a legal term, a shortened form of the Latin phrase in propria persona, which translates to "in one's own person." When someone proceeds in pro per, it means they are representing themselves in a legal proceeding without the assistance of an attorney. This is synonymous with the term pro se.

Here are some examples illustrating the concept of proceeding in pro per:

• Small Claims Court Dispute: After a dispute with a dry cleaner who damaged her expensive dress, Emily decided to sue them in small claims court. She researched the process, filled out all the necessary forms, presented her evidence to the judge, and argued her case herself, without hiring a lawyer. Emily was acting in pro per throughout the entire process.

  This illustrates in pro per because Emily handled all aspects of her legal claim personally, without professional legal representation.

• Minor Criminal Charge: Mark received a citation for a minor traffic violation that he believed was unwarranted. Instead of hiring an attorney to represent him, he chose to appear in court on his own behalf, present his defense, and question the police officer who issued the ticket. Mark was representing himself in pro per.

  This demonstrates in pro per as Mark personally managed his defense against a criminal charge, making all legal arguments and presenting evidence himself.

• Family Law Petition: When filing for an uncontested divorce, John and his spouse agreed on all terms regarding asset division and child custody. To save on legal fees, John decided to prepare and file all the necessary divorce petitions and accompanying documents with the court himself, rather than hiring a family law attorney. John proceeded in pro per for his divorce.

  This example shows in pro per because John personally managed the legal paperwork and court filings for his divorce, acting as his own legal representative.