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 Louisiana, 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. However, when it comes to legal entities such as corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships, or other types of organizations, they must be represented by a licensed attorney. Louisiana law, following the general principle in U.S. jurisprudence, does not allow non-human entities to appear in court pro se because they can only act through agents, and the law requires that such agents be licensed attorneys. This ensures that the entity's legal rights are adequately protected and that the legal proceedings maintain a level of professional conduct and understanding of legal principles.