G6.9. Training
judges and court staff
181. |
As mentioned earlier in
this section, an unrepresented litigant in court is sometimes regarded as an unwelcome
sight. Save in the most exceptional case, he is likely to find himself at a disadvantage
especially where (as usually happens) the other side is represented. However much the
judge may wish to help the litigant in the conduct of his case, interventions to this end
tend to generate uneasiness for fear of an improper descent into the arena. In such an
atmosphere it is difficult for justice to be done or seen to be done. |
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| 182. |
It is therefore
important that all judges should address the management of cases involving litigants in
person as part of their continuing training and education. This should aim to promote
judges' understanding of the needs of unrepresented litigants and to develop an acceptable
and consistent proactive approach to help the litigant present his case. Lord Woolf put it
thus :- |
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