Should a defendent be allowed to defend his own case?

Question

Should a defendent be allowed to defend his own case? Do you think this is a good idea?

Answer 1

If the person is judged competent to stand trial, and are clinically sane, sure. They have the right to decide if they want to hire legal help or handle the case themselves.

As for it being a good idea when you are going up against people that do it all day, every day, for a living...its probably not all that wise, unless of course if your goal is to lose the case.

Answer 2

There's the old line that the person who defends himself has a fool for a client (or something like that); but the other side of that could be that a person who doesn't have money to buy the right kind of representation could possibly do a better job and care more about his own case than a half-baked, appointed, attorney may.

I think people should be allowed to represent themselves, even if it isn't always the wisest thing. To the best of my belief, I think judges can keep an eye of what seems to be going on and take certain steps if it appears the person cannot effectively defend himself ).

Answer 3

no no no. it is not a good idea at all. i have been into many courtrooms and it is definately true about what they say about a person who represents himself: a person who represents himself has a fool for a client!

the court system is complex and takes many years of study and practice to get an idea. evidence law in particular is really difficult and most people that have not been trained do not know this. They dont know why they cant question a witness on a particular subject, they dont understand why they cant introduce that as evidence, and they dont understand why the judge always upholds the prosecutions objections but overrules there own. This leads to frustration and a perception of bias towards the other party.

Answer 4

Everyone can waive their right to counsel; but, I believe, from experience as a Law Clerk, that Pro Se defendants are the most problematic. There is a no bounce back policy among most court system in the US, which means everyone has the right to file anything for judicial consideration even if it is out of order. This complicates a simple case and overburdens our courts with needless and senseless filings.

Answer 5

A defendant does have the right to appear in proper person. Is it a good idea.... NO.

When dealing with issues of the law and defending it, men and women go to school for many years, have thousands of resources and many avenues to aid them in the practice of law.

Does this make it a little clearer? Hire an attorney.

Answer 6

no, I strongly disagree with them defending themselves. They do not know how the judicial system works and how the trickery of wording by attorneys could put him in a very awkward position, The defendant is the accused, so he knows if he done it, he will ask questions of which many times is objected by the prosecutor and judge..He will try so hard to take away other witnesses statements, attempting to sway the jury his way. So let attorney defend him

Answer 7

Not an answer but for those who are answering, then how can a person defend themselves without the proper funds? When you are at an income too high to claim indigent but yet to low to pay for the legal fees?

Answer 8

I don't think its a good idea but it is the defendant's right to do so.

Answer 9

sure, and it truly is been executed better than once. it truly is no longer a sturdy idea besides the undeniable fact that, inspite of if the defendant is a criminal professional, because he does no longer be purpose adequate to have the ability to present day a sturdy case. If he's not a criminal professional then he's very at a downside.

Answer 10

You know what they say only a fool defends his self and The local judge say`s why did you get a lawyer ? He gives more time when you fight them framing you !