Pro se (pro-say) means to argue on one’s own behalf in a court or other legal proceeding—also referred to as representing yourself in court or self-representation. A person can appear pro se in a civil or criminal case, but only a licensed lawyer can appear in court on behalf of a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other legal entity.
In Kansas, as in other states, individuals have the right to represent themselves in court without an attorney, a practice known as 'pro se' representation. This applies to both civil and criminal cases. Pro se litigants are expected to follow the same rules and procedures as attorneys, including filing legal documents and presenting their cases in court. However, while individuals can represent themselves, corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, and other legal entities must be represented by a licensed attorney. This is because such entities are considered separate legal 'persons' and require an attorney to engage in legal proceedings on their behalf. It's important for anyone considering pro se representation to be aware of the challenges it may present, as the legal system can be complex and procedural mistakes can be costly.