
Judicial Guidance for Cases Involving Self-Represented Litigants: Bench Guides
The SRLN Administrative Office of the Courts Working Group has collected court system resources that provide guidance for judges for cases involving self-represented parties. Here is a selection of Bench Guides:
- National: Handling Cases Involving Self-Represented LItigants: A National Bench Guide for Judges (2008)
- Massachusetts: Massachusetts Judicial Guidelines for Civil Hearings Involving Self-Represented Litigants (April 2006). (Attached) This manual includes guidelines for interactions pre-hearing, during the hearing, and post-hearing. It also includes judicial commentary.
- California: Handling Cases Involving Self-Represented Litigants: A Benchguide for Judicial Officers (January 2007, Updated 2019).
- Delaware: Delaware’s Judicial Guidelines for Civil Hearings Involving Self-Represented LItigants (2011). (Attached)
- Illinois: Self-Represented LItigants in Civil Matters: Suggested Best Practices and Relevant Court Rules (October 2014). (Attached) Practical guidance for judges which includes checklists judges can use for explaining the trial process to self-represented litigants.
- Kansas: Judicial Guidelines Applicable to Civil Hearings Involving Self-Represented Litigants Including Commentary (Proposed) (Attached)
Attachments:
Massachusetts Judicial Guidelines for Civil Hearings Involving SelfRepresented Litigants.pdf
Delaware's Judicial Guidlines for Civil Hearings Involving Self Represented Litigants.pdf
Illinois Self Represented Litigants in Civil Matters Suggested Best Practicies and Relevant Court Rules.pdf
Kansas Judicial Guidelines Applicable to Civil Hearings Involving Self Represented Litigants Including Commentary.pdf