The courts
pro se
Representing yourself in court without a lawyer. A right in most proceedings, and a serious disadvantage in nearly all of them.
In full
Courts are required to read pro se filings liberally, but the rules of procedure and evidence still apply. Pro se litigants make up a large share of prisoner petitions and civil rights filings, and many federal courts run self-help offices for them. A criminal defendant may waive counsel only after the judge confirms the choice is knowing and voluntary.
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A plain-language explanation for civic education, not legal advice. When in doubt, the official source named above controls.