Court News
May 3, 2006
Supreme Court Report Outlines Pro Se and Indigent Litigant Recommendations
The Supreme Court Task Force on Pro Se and Indigent Litigants today released its report and recommendations.
The 25-member task force was appointed by Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer in May 2004 and is composed of judges, lawyers, county commissioners, representatives from legal aid societies and a pro se litigant. The committee studies the general experience of defendants who are “pro se” (without an attorney), pro bono representation and how to better fund organizations that assist indigent clients, such as legal aid societies and public defenders' offices.
Among the task force's recommendations:
- A recommendation that a rule be adopted that requires Ohio attorneys to report their participation in pro bono activities
- A recommendation that rules be adopted allowing for limited representation by Ohio attorneys
- A recommendation that standardized forms be developed for pro se litigants
- A recommendation that the Ohio Public Defender Commission, which is currently part of the executive branch, be an independent entity within the judicial branch
- Several recommendations for alternative funding sources for both public defense and civil legal aid.
“I thank the members of the committee for their hard work and recommendations,” Chief Justice Moyer said. “The initiatives recommended by the task force will have a significant and tangible impact on servicing the needs of those citizens least able to afford legal representation.”
The task force's recommendations will now be considered for adoption by the Supreme Court. The Court's decision will be released later this year.
Reports are available for download at: http://www.supremecourtofohio.gov/publications/prose/report_april06.pdf
Contact: Katie Riedel or Chris Davey at 614.387.9250.