Which term describes the right to self-representation in court?

• A. Pro se
• B. Pro bono
• C. Pro per
• D. In propria persona

Answer: (A)

The right to self-representation in court is described by the term pro se. It comes from Latin, meaning “for oneself,” and is the standard way to refer to a defendant choosing to represent themselves without a lawyer. Pro se distinguishes self-representation from having counsel. Pro bono refers to providing legal services for free to others, not about a person representing themselves. Pro per and in propria persona are other (less common) terms used in some places that also denote self-representation, but pro se is the most widely recognized and appropriate term for this concept.