Representing Oneself as Pro Se

The right to be heard in a court of law with or without an attorney is a constitutional right. In Hawaii, the rights of pro se litigants are protected by the courts. Parties who choose to represent themselves without an attorney are referred to as pro se litigants (pro se plaintiff or pro se defendant). The term “pro se” is a Latin phrase that means “for yourself.” Every person has the right to represent themselves in court without an attorney.