What does pro per attorney mean?

Asked by: Graham West  |  Last update: January 21, 2026
Score: 4.6/5 (31 votes)

The term “pro per” is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “in propria persona,” meaning “in their own person,” and it refers to a situation where a litigant represents themselves, without a lawyer. Pro per is synonymous with the more commonly used term pro se .

What does pro se mean in legal terms?

Litigants or parties representing themselves in court without the assistance of an attorney are known as pro se litigants. “Pro se” is Latin for “in one's own behalf.” The right to appear pro se in a civil case in federal court is defined by statute 28 U.S.C. § 1654.

What does prose mean legally?

Pro se legal representation (/ˌproʊ ˈsiː/ or /ˌproʊ ˈseɪ/) means to argue on one's own behalf in a legal proceeding, as a defendant or plaintiff in civil cases, or a defendant in criminal cases, rather than have representation from counsel or an attorney.

What does pro stand for in law?

Definition and Citations:

For; in respect of; on account of; in behalf of.

Why do judges not prefer pro-se defendants?

the courts tend to give no leeway to pro se litigants. This is also the area where the judges seem to most actively dislike the pro se litigants, likely because they cause so many problems with discovery and the procedural process of the case through lack of knowledge.

In Law, what is a Pro Per?

33 related questions found

Has a pro se defendant ever won?

Has Anyone Ever Won a Court Case Representing Themselves? Litigants have won court cases when they represent themselves.

Is pro se a good idea?

When the stakes are high – as they generally are in a criminal case – going it alone is generally not a good idea. Don't forget that your right to a criminal defense attorney is so great that, if you cannot afford an attorney, one must be appointed to you. For this reason, it is rare to see a pro se defendant.

What is a PRO per attorney?

"In Pro Per" means that you are acting as your own attorney. You are not required to hire an attorney but before taking any legal action it is highly advisable to consult with a lawyer who can inform you about important legal rights.

How successful are PRO-se litigants?

Pro se litigants' case outcomes are generally very unfavorable. In federal district courts from 1998 to 2017, around 12% of pro se defendants received final judgments in their favor while pro se plaintiffs won only 3% of final judgments.

Has anyone won a case defending themselves?

Many people have successfully represented themselves. Others have gone to court and found that their case was more complicated or that the court process was more difficult than they expected. These are some things to consider when deciding whether to represent yourself: Are you good at completing paperwork?

What are the 5 types of pro se litigants?

Let's take a look at the different types of pro se litigants — the Appeaser, Aggressor, Magician, Gangster and Conqueror.

What is one example of a prose?

Prose is so-called "ordinary writing" — made up of sentences and paragraphs, without any metrical (or rhyming) structure. If you write, "I walked about all alone over the hillsides," that's prose. If you say, "I wondered lonely as a cloud/that floats on high o'er vales and hills" that's poetry.

What criteria must be met to qualify as a pro-se defendant?

A pro se defendant must show that they are able to understand the proceedings and must knowingly waive the right to an attorney. In making this decision, the judge will consider the defendant's age and education, as well as the gravity of the charges.

What is the difference between pro se and pro per?

The term “pro per” is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase “in propria persona,” meaning “in their own person,” and it refers to a situation where a litigant represents themselves, without a lawyer. Pro per is synonymous with the more commonly used term pro se .

What does attorney per se mean?

Latin for “by itself,” in other words, inherently. For example, in tort law , a statutory violation is negligence per se.

What are the disadvantages of Pro SE?

Top 10 Downfalls of Self-Representation in a California Criminal Case
  • Lack of Legal Knowledge and Experience. ...
  • Emotional Involvement. ...
  • Procedural Missteps. ...
  • Inadequate Understanding of Evidence Rules. ...
  • Negotiation Skills. ...
  • Understanding Potential Consequences. ...
  • Courtroom Demeanor and Strategy. ...
  • Bias Against Self-Representation.

Do judges respect pro-se litigants?

The state must ensure that pro se litigants be afforded respect, courtesy, and assistance that attorneys receive in the courts to eliminate that void of status previously mentioned.

Can a pro se defendant testify?

After you are sworn in, the Judge will let you testify in a narrative fashion (tell the facts of the case as a story).

What does pro se mean in court?

In 1975, the Supreme Court held that the structure of the Sixth Amendment necessarily implies that a defendant in a state criminal trial has a constitutional right to proceed without counsel when he voluntarily and intelligently elects to do so. See Faretta v. California, 422 U.S. 806 (1975) .

What is the meaning of per pro in law?

per pro (per proc; p.p.)

Abbreviations for per procurationem (Latin: by procuration): denoting an act by an agent, acting on the authority of a principal. The abbreviation is often used when signing letters on behalf of a firm or someone else, if formally authorized to do so.

What is the difference between prose and pro per?

Judges and lawyers typically refer to defendants who represent themselves with the terms pro se or pro per, the latter being taken from "in propria persona." Both pro se (pronounced pro-say) and pro per come from Latin and essentially mean "for one's own person." The terms are synonymous.

Why do pro-se litigants lose?

Pro Se Parties Often Don't Know the Rules

Opposing counsel and judges are often annoyed by pro se parties because pro se litigants often do not know the relevant litigation rules. This requires repetitive explanations of complex subjects.

How to win a pro se case?

Crafting a clear and persuasive argument is essential. Your pleadings, motions, and any other written submissions should be concise, well-reasoned, and supported by applicable legal authority. Be prepared to articulate your position effectively during court proceedings, including hearings and trials, if necessary.

Which type of law do most lawyers practice?

The 18 Most Common Types of Law
  • Personal Injury Law. ...
  • Criminal Law. ...
  • Civil Law. ...
  • Bankruptcy Law. ...
  • Immigration Law. ...
  • Mergers & Acquisitions. ...
  • Corporate Law. ...
  • Environmental Law. Environmental law deals with legal issues surrounding environmental protection, conservation, and sustainability.