What term describes representing oneself in court without an attorney?

• A. Pro bono
• B. Pro se
• C. Provisional
• D. Pro tempore

Answer: (B)

Representing oneself in court without an attorney is called pro se. The term comes from Latin and means acting for oneself, or on one’s own behalf, in legal proceedings. It describes people who choose to handle their case without lawyer representation, taking on filings, arguments, and the need to follow all court rules themselves. This is different from pro bono, which refers to free legal services provided by lawyers to others, not someone representing themselves. Provisional and pro tempore describe temporary status or service, not self-representation. Going pro se often requires a solid understanding of procedural and evidentiary rules and awareness that the burden of presenting a strong case falls on the individual.