This report collates and analyzes data from Intake Forms completed by self-represented litigants (SRLs) from July 1, 2019 to June 30, 2021, from a total of 279 respondents.
As with previous intake reports published by the NSRLP, the data tracks the core demographics prevalent within the SRL population (gender, income, education, age, etc.). The results remain largely consistent with Julie Macfarlane’s original SRL Studyresults (2013), with our previous report results (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020), and with the results of similar studies conducted in other countries.
Unique to this report is the inclusion of data specific to the period during which the COVID-19 pandemic affected regular legal proceedings. In the last section of the report, where SRLs share some of their own experiences in their own words, data is separated into pre-COVID and during-COVID sections, in order to compare and contrast. Our data shows that the overall experiences of respondents are largely consistent before and after the onset of the pandemic, with the biggest issues posed by COVID-19 being the inaccessibility of services designed to assist litigants in ordinary times, and issues using technology to attend meetings and proceedings.
Barriers to access to justice remain a prevalent theme in the 2019-21 Report, with disabled SRLs especially facing challenges in the courtroom. Financial difficulties and discrimination were cited by many respondents as barriers as well.
This report is wonderful. Thank you so much.
To add to the other SRLs suggestions, I found great value in a tiny book by James Morton called “Procedural Strategies for Litigators” Third Edition. I understand theremight not be any further editions of this book but despite the date of the last publication I spent the $100+ on the recommendation of another SRL…and my goodness…was it worth every penny on how to stick-handle sharp-practice, and was a complimentary addition to the Rules, Caselaw and Practice Directions my SRL experience informed me lawyers and Justice do not always keep up with nor reference.
As a SRL I have learned the importance of quoting Rules, Caselaw precedent and Practice Directions into Court Record, as documenting the record is in essence creating evidence that may later be relied upon via transcripts, if necessary.
My experience has also informed me that having a MacKenzie Friend may also serve as having a “witness” present. For instance; a lawyer might say they did not receive information when it had actually been handed directly to them in front of a MacKenzie Friend; another lawyer might berate and smoke-screen a SRL in an unproductive break-out room session provided by a Justice in an effort to attempt to settle an issue. In each instance, having a MacKenzie Friend can offset such circumstances with a SRL being able to say the MacKenzie Friend was present and is prepared to swear an affidavit regarding each situation. This may have the affect of changing opposing counsels demeanour (and behaviour) on its heels (but that’s not legal advice – always seek legal advice of a lawyer)