Legal Definitions - pauper

A pauper is an individual who is extremely poor and lacks the financial means to support themselves, often relying on public assistance, government benefits, or charitable organizations for basic necessities like food, shelter, and healthcare.

In a legal context, the term often refers to someone who is deemed unable to afford legal fees, court costs, or other expenses associated with legal proceedings.

• Example 1: After losing her job and exhausting her savings due to a prolonged illness, Maria found herself unable to pay rent or buy groceries. She applied for government assistance programs, including food stamps and housing aid, to survive. In this situation, Maria would be considered a pauper because she is extremely poor and relies entirely on public funds for her basic needs.

• Example 2: John wished to file a civil lawsuit to recover damages after a car accident, but he had no income and significant medical debts, making him unable to afford the court filing fees, which can be substantial. He petitioned the court to proceed in forma pauperis, meaning "in the manner of a pauper," to waive these costs. Here, John's status as a pauper refers to his inability to pay for the legal process due to extreme financial hardship.

• Example 3: An elderly man, Mr. Henderson, lived alone with no family support, no pension, and no savings. He depended entirely on a local church's soup kitchen for his daily meals and a community outreach program for occasional medical check-ups and donated clothing. Mr. Henderson's complete reliance on charitable aid for his survival illustrates his status as a pauper, highlighting his profound lack of personal financial resources.