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 South Dakota, 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 understand and follow the same legal procedures as those represented by attorneys, which includes filing legal documents, making court appearances, and conducting trials. However, there are limitations to pro se representation. For example, while individuals can represent themselves, only a licensed attorney can represent a corporation, limited liability company, partnership, or other legal entity in court. This is because these entities are considered separate legal 'persons' and require professional legal representation. It is important for pro se litigants to be aware that the court will hold them to the same standards as attorneys in terms of court procedures and legal knowledge.