State and Local Government
Session 12 and 13: Pro Se Court

Materials

• Handout: “Pro Se Court Script” (Pro Se Court simulation is a well know legal education technique. This script is a modification of scenarios from several unknown sources.) (Attachment J)

Instructional Activities

1. Divide the class into groups of three. Have each member select a role (plaintiff, defendant, judge).

2. Explain that the term pro se refers to representing oneself in a court without hiring a lawyer. In Virginia, the general district courts handle cases that typically do not require a lawyer. Explain that the rules of evidence are very informal and proceed in a common sense manner.
   
   
3. Distribute the "Pro Se Court Script" and go over the role-play procedures.
   
   
4. Allow groups to work through each of the cases and write down their findings (changing roles for each case).
   
   
5. Allow each group to report to the class.