You have the right to speak for yourself in court without a solicitor or other legal professional.

You may choose or need to do this because:

• you think it is better to talk directly to the judge, jury or magistrates yourself

• you cannot afford to pay legal fees

• you are not entitled to legal aid

You are known as a ‘litigant in person’ if you represent yourself. You will be referred to as an ‘applicant’, ‘respondent’ or ‘defendant’ depending on whether your case is heard in a family, civil or criminal court.