A Pro Se Defendant is an individual who chooses to represent themselves in legal proceedings without the assistance of an attorney. The term has its origins in Latin, meaning “for oneself” and is used to refer to individuals who are not represented by counsel. This type of Defendant is most commonly found in civil cases, such as divorce proceedings, small claims, or eviction hearings, but may also be seen in criminal proceedings. There are two types of Pro Se Defendant: voluntary and involuntary. A voluntary Pro Se Defendant is one who has chosen to represent themselves without the assistance of a lawyer, while an involuntary Pro Se Defendant is one who does not have the financial resources to hire an attorney. In either case, the Pro Se Defendant is expected to follow the same rules and procedures as an attorney, including filing the necessary paperwork and appearing in court.