Do-it-yourself law: access to justice and the challenge of self-representation

In the context of major changes to the legal aid system under the Legal Aid and Sentencing of Offenders Act 2012, this article discusses the likely consequent growth in the number of litigants in person (LIPs) involved in proceedings in civil and family courts and tribunals. It considers the challenges this development presents for the litigants, judiciary and justice system and reflects on how the judiciary, procedure and advisers need to adapt to facilitate effective access while restraining abuse of process.

It also argues that lack of information about the volume and characteristics of different categories of LIPs constrains our ability to devise measures that effectively address the range of challenges.