Self-Represented Litigation
Adopted in August 2000, this COSCA position paper addresses the growing national trend of self-represented litigation and the challenges it presents for courts, judges, and the justice system as a whole. The paper outlines the causes of increased self-representation — including limited access to affordable legal services — and emphasizes the judiciary's obligation to ensure meaningful access to justice for all. It presents a series of recommendations and best practices, from self-help resources and plain language forms to judicial training, technology-based solutions, and collaborative strategies to support litigants and improve court efficiency.