Self-Represented Litigants in Nova Scotia: Needs Assessment Study

The Self-Represented Litigants Project of the court services division of the Nova Scotia Department of Justice surveyed the litigants, judges and court staff to identify needs and to make recommendations to improve services and develop accessible programs. Self-represented litigants are said to lack knowledge regarding forms completion, the rules of evidence and case presentation and argument, are unaware of where to obtain legal information and advice and are unable distinguish between the two. Recommendations are made to address the identified gaps.