Yes, you can represent yourself in the court of law but the real question is whether you should do it or not. Every country has its own legal system, which is derived through its culture and the overall structure of its judicial system. Most countries have used the legal foundation articulated in the UK and have applied it to their own states. However, almost every country has created a provision or a statue, which clearly states that an individual can represent themselves in court for both criminal and civil cases. However, you cannot represent another individual in a court without the required qualifications and licenses.
A perfect example of how an individual can represent himself or herself in court is the famous case of Isaac Wright Jr. He is currently a criminal lawyer, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Isaac Wright Jr. was wrongly convicted of leading the largest drug distribution network in New Jersey and while he was incarcerated serving a life sentence, this man taught himself law and became a paralegal. He represented himself at trial and although he was convicted, he continued to represent himself in the appeal and actually overturned the conviction. However, there are very few success stories of people representing themselves in court due to the intricate and demanding nature of law. Here is a list of reasons why you should never represent yourself in the court of law.
Understanding a Particular Area of Law Can Be Challenging
There are many different areas of law such as property law, tort law, criminal law, jurisprudence, public law, administrative law and this list goes on. It can be very difficult for an individual to understand which area of law applies to them as their claim or defense. Lawyers also use very complicated jargon and terms, which can be hard to grasp for people who have no experience or prior legal education.
Litigation Is a Complicated Process
Representing yourself in the court of law is not an easy task at all, as you will need to handle of the litigation activities that includes accumulating all of the required documents, which are required as a formality. You will also need to provide evidence that is permissible in the court of law as not every piece of information is considered valid in a court hearing or case. Overseeing the entire litigation process and representing yourself in court is very difficult.
Your Chances of Winning the Case Are Reduced
Factually speaking, your chances of winning a case are reduced by a substantial margin, as you will not have the required information or the skill set which can help you convince a jury or judge. Even if you have all of the evidence, which proves that you are innocent, you can still end up being convicted if you fail to convey this information in an organized and detailed manner.
The aforementioned factors are just a glimpse into the array of different reasons why an individual should never represent himself or herself in court. A seasoned professional will have all the skills and knowledge required to make sure that the case is decided in your favor.
