Latin / Legal Maxim
Pro Se
proh SAY
Latin: 'for oneself.' A litigant who represents themselves in court without an attorney.
Plain-English definition
A pro se litigant — sometimes called pro per — represents themselves in court without an attorney. Pro se filings are held to a less stringent standard than those drafted by lawyers, but the litigant is still bound by procedural rules and substantive law. About 25% of federal civil cases involve at least one pro se party.
More in Latin / Legal Maxim
Res Judicata
Latin: 'a thing decided.' The doctrine that a final judgment on the merits prevents the same parties from re-litigating the same claim.
Stare Decisis
Latin: 'to stand by things decided.' The principle that courts follow precedent established by earlier decisions of the same or higher court.
Not legal advice. Definitions are for general reference. Consult an attorney before relying on any term in a real case.