Acting as my own Lawer

Thank you for this forum to ask my question,

Question,Do I have a absolute right to represent my self in a jury trial? I lost my first case in small claims court,I feel something was not right, so I am appealling to the next court and I want a jury trial, the clerk of the court said I HAD to have a lawyer since I want a jury. I say I have a right to be my own lawyer. I live in Talladega Alabama

Thank you Jerry Beck

[Edited by Jerry Beck on 03-30-2001 at 08:05 PM]

Jerry Beck said:

Thank you for this forum to ask my question,

Question,Do I have a absolute right to represent my self in a jury trial? I lost my first case in small claims court,I feel something was not right, so I am appealling to the next court and I want a jury trial, the clerk of the court said I HAD to have a lawyer since I want a jury. I say I have a right to be my own lawyer. I live in Talladega Alabama

Thank you Jerry Beck

[Edited by Jerry Beck on 03-30-2001 at 08:05 PM]

Click to expand...

My response:

Well, you know the old saying, "If you represent yourself, yadda, yadda, yadda."

The clerk, while good intentioned, is wrong. As long as you are familiar with the Rules of the Court, can put together a trial brief, you know the Rules of Evidence, and know which Jury Instructions to submit to the judge and opposing counsel, then of course you can represent yourself.

I wouldn't if I were in your position.

IAAL