Conference quokka::non_custodial_parents

282.0. "PRO SE Litigation training in N.H" by STOWOA::BROWN_K (KEN BROWN DCC/CIS DESKTOP CONSULTANT) Tue Sep 07 1993 09:53

		Classes For Do-It-Yourself Litigants

	Trying to handle a court case that is not being overseen by a lawyer can 
be a frustrating experience for court staff as well as for the person trying to 
muddle through the system.

	Largely because clerical staffers got fed up with dealing with 
do-it-yourselfers, known in legal jargon as "pro se litigants," the State 
Superior Courts have launched a program designed to educate and assist them, by 
holding classes at each courthouse around the state twice a month.

	The Superior Court Orientation and Public Education is designed 
primarily to provide assistance to individuals who represent themselves in 
Superior Court," said Chief Justice Joseph Nadeau, announcing the program last 
week.

	The SCOPE classes will be conducted at the courthouses during regular 
business hours, using court staff and lawyers who volunteer their time and 
expertise, so it won't pinch taxpayers, Nadeau noted,

	The classes are scheduled to run on the second and fourth Wednesday of 
each month in Nashua, and on the first and third Tuesday of each month in 
Manchester.

	The classes will be led by  the court clerks, and people will be able to 
get variuos forms needed in different types of cases and instructions on how to 
fill them out and file them.  Staff will also explain court procedures, and how 
to present evidence in cases.

	Lawyers will be able to give limited legal advice.  As much as possible, 
the classes will be tailored to suit whoever shows up at each session, Nadeau 
said.

	People defending or procsecuting lawsuits on their own behalf  have 
become a time-consuming burden on clerical staff,  Nadeau said.  "The SCOPE 
Program will have the added benefit of relieiving over worked personnel, 
especially in the marital divisions, by reducing the countless hours soent 
explaining court procedures," he said.

	Nationally, studies by the American Bar Association indicate that more 
than two-thirds of all open, pending cases in most jurisdictions include at 
least one person who isn't represented by a lawyer, according to a study bu the 
state's Marital Court System authored by Hillsborough County Superior Court
Judge Linda Dalianis.

	"They need information, they want adive and according to staff, they 
want to vent, complain, explain and grieve - all to people who are neither paid 
nor trained to respond to any of these acute needs,"  Dalianis wrote.  "Staff 
feel not only over stressed emotionally by these demands, but they also explain 
that every minute spent dealing with a pro se is one not spend sprocessing 
filings and orders, which is their primary function.

	""For more information, call 888-66461  for information in Nashua, or 
		669-7410 in Manchester""

Corrected telephone number:

	""For more information, call 883-6461 for information in Nashua, or 
		669-7410 in Manchester""

The next two sessions in Nashua will be held on 13 and 27 October 1993 
at 12:00noon in the Superior Court Building.

-stephen

    WOW!  This is exactly what I was cruising the notes hoping
    (dreaming???) I might find!
    
    Does anyone know if Mass does anything like this??
    
    					cj *->