Resources to Assist Self-Represented Litigants: a 50 State Review of the State of the Art

This report examines current programs, policies, and services provided by US state courts to support self-represented litigants, giving the names and links to specific resources. It looks at how forms and information are provided for the self-represented and then how justice system rules and policies affect people’s ability to represent themselves effectively. It suggests how the court system and other partners can help such self-represented litigants. In addition,the review explores how judicial and extra-judicial partners collaborate on these issues. This review includes a compendium of resources and may be of value to groups working to enhance support for self-represented litigants. It also includes 25 specific action recommendations in its appendices.