Articles Tagged with self-represented litigants

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When you rely on a judicial opinion to support your cause, which version of the case do you carry into court? This is the 21st century law librarian and bench-bar dilemma.

Even if you solve the authenticity and and copyright problems (and we’re nowhere near doing that), what are we going to do about the Supreme Court?

See, “Final Word on U.S. Law Isn’t: Supreme Court Keeps Editing,” by Adam Liptak, May 24, 2014 (re the upcoming article, “The (Non)Finality of Supreme Court Opinions,” by Richard J. Lazarus, 128 HARV. L. REV. ___ (forthcoming 2014)).

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Legal self-help is a bit of a crap-shoot unless you have official (i.e. court sanctioned and current) legal forms or the guiding hand of an attorney, but sometimes one has to plug along the best one can.

Public law librarians not infrequently get requests for legal separation forms. Oregon has, rather had, legal separation forms, and still, sort of, does have them. But, well, read on:

Disclaimer! Warning!

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The Legal Forms Problem bedevils most states, even those with active statewide Access to Justice Commissions (Oregon does not have one). Some states are tackling the legal forms problem head on with gusto and with Statewide Legal Forms Committees (see also the legal forms program presentations at the ABA Equal Justice website – there was an excellent one a couple weeks ago on the Washington State Legal Forms initiative).

See the ABA Resource Center for Access to Justice Initiatives and the Access to Justice blog for information and news about these A2J commissions and initiatives.

From 3 Geeks and a Law Blog, 4/22/14, post: “LegalZoom Gets Nod from South Carolina Supreme Court”

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View the Oregon State Bar (OSB) videotape of our program:

1) Direct to the video: ALL RISE! TAKE YOUR CASE TO SMALL CLAIMS COURT

2) Or, from the Oregon State Bar (OSB) website (where you can also find their “30-second Law School” consumer and other Oregon law tips!).

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Extend a welcome to these creative and purposeful lawyers, judges, and public law librarians who will learn about and share tips on creating effective access to justice, access to courts, access to affordable lawyers, and legal self-help programs of all shapes and sizes.

Oregon will have a good showing at this 2014 Equal Justice Conference – see the EJC homepage to see the roster of attendees.

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We have updated our Oregon Legal Assistance Resource Guide.

We have expanded its reach beyond the Portland-metro area so new resources have been added – and you are welcome to suggest additions.

Link to the PDF or link to it from our What’s New webpage.

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Online ABA Journal article: “Estate dispute caused by ‘E-Z Legal Form’ is a ‘cautionary tale,’ says justice,” by Debra Cassens Weiss.

“Ann Aldrich used an “E-Z Legal Form” when she made out her will in 2004, a decision that proved to be a good choice for two nieces who cited the document’s lack of a residuary clause.

In a decision issued last week, the Florida Supreme Court ruled for the nieces, though they weren’t mentioned in the will. The court said money acquired by Aldrich after the will was made out should be distributed under the laws of intestacy, which govern distribution of property for those who die without a will. The reason: The E-Z form did not have a residuary clause providing for the disposition of property not listed in the document….” [Link to full article.]

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“He who is always his own counseller will often have a fool for his client.” [Source: Shapiro, “The Oxford Dictionary of American Legal Quotations,” citing Port Folio (Philadelphia, Aug. 1809, at 132.]

Not a day goes by when I don’t:

1) Read about someone who made a BIG mistake thinking s/he knew everything about drafting contracts, wills, and other legal documents.

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Visit the Justice Index beta site for preliminary findings.

Note: access to justice is different from access to courts – and then there is access to affordable legal assistance.

1) You’ve just been charged with DUII.

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“LAW IN POPULAR CULTURE: Producers seek ‘everyday lawyer’ to host reality TV show,” Mar 10, 2014, by Victor Li

“…. Now, Los Angeles-based production company GRB Entertainment is aiming to bring over a British legal show that gives regular people access to the justice system. GRB is producing an American version of the BBC television show The Legalizer, and is sorely in need of a lawyer who can serve as the host and face of the show. The host’s main duty will be to guide individuals through often difficult and confusing legal processes and discuss their legal options, so that they can stand up for their rights….” [Link to full ABA Journal news article.]

(Oh yes, I have lots to say about this, but sometimes the less said the better.)

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