Pro Se Statistics Memo from NCSC
The Boston Globe unbundling article we discussed earlier today included an On the Net link worth checking out and keeping in mind — it’s for a Pro Se Statistics Memorandum found at the National Center for State Courts website. Put together by Madelynn Herman for the NSCS Knowledge and Information Services group, the September 2006 Memo lists reports from around the nation on the numbers of self-represented litigants in the studied jurisdictions (selected state trial and appellate courts, as well as federal courts). The listed studies are annotated with a “snapshot of statistics”. The numbers are eye-openers.
Ms. Herman notes:
Courts are continuing to see an increase in the numbers of litigants who represent themselves. Self-represented litigants are most likely to appear without counsel in domestic-relations matters, such as divorce, custody and child support, small claims, landlord/tenant, probate, protective orders, and other civil matters. While national statistics on the numbers of self-represented litigants are not available, several states and many jurisdictions keep track of the numbers of self-represented litigants in their courts.
MaryWhisner
December 27, 2006 @ 7:58 pm
David, I didn’t see that you’d written about the NSCS memo until I posted about it today. Whoops! Good information bears repeating, I hope! — Mary
david giacalone
December 27, 2006 @ 8:43 pm
Mary, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look than I did at this useful NSCS Memo — so, I’m glad you let our readers know about specific state studies and their related numbers in How Many Pro Se Litigants?, Dec. 27, 2006.