Should Defendants Have the Right to Represent Themselves?

No single factor determines the result, and a defendant doesn't need the legal skills of a professional lawyer to qualify for self-representation. As long as a defendant is competent, knowingly gives up the right to an attorney, and understands court proceedings, the defendant is entitled to self-represent.

Should defendants have the right to self-representation?

—The Court has held that the Sixth Amendment, in addition to guaranteeing the right to retained or appointed counsel, also guarantees a defendant the right to represent himself. ... The right applies only at trial; there is no constitutional right to self-representation on direct appeal from a criminal conviction.

Why would a defendant represent himself?

Defendants may choose to represent themselves for a variety of reasons: Some defendants can afford to hire a lawyer, but don't do so because they think the likely punishment is not severe enough to justify the expense. ... Self-represented defendants are not bound by lawyers' ethical codes.