Study: Lessons from the Country: Serving Self-Represented Litigants in Rural Jurisdictions (Henschen 2002)

This study focuses on the particular concerns of rural jurisdictions in meeting the challenges of pro se litigation, examining 25 pro se assistance programs serving rural or predominantly rural jurisdictions across 17 states. Findings are drawn from survey data and phone interviews with program coordinators, court clerks, court administrators, judges, and program partners. Key findings and recommendations focus on the role of technology in providing assistance; the utility of standardized forms and instructions; the lack of and need for program evaluation; the concerns expressed by attorneys, court clerks, and judges regarding their work with pro se litigants; and the importance of coordination and collaboration in designing and operating pro se assistance programs. 

Lessons from the Country: Serving Self-Represented Litigants in Rural Jurisdictions (ncsc.org)