Los Angeles, CA asked in Civil Litigation for Texas

Q: Are Pro Se also considered the Witnesses Lawyer?

If you are Pro Se, can I act as the witnesses lawyer and be with them during a deposition and guide them and object if necessary?

Also I assume that its ok to object during court for them as well?

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1 Lawyer Answer
John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
Answered
  • Frisco, TX
  • Licensed in Texas

A: No. A person appearing pro se only represents himself/herself. Only a licensed attorney can represent another person, be that another party or a witness.

As a pro se party, you have the right to attend depositions and to object within the confines of the Rules which strictly limit what objections are allowed at a deposition generally to "Objection: form" and "Objection: non-responsive." You can only elaborate on your objection if requested to do so by the attorney or party asking the questions of the deponent.

You also have the right to attend court proceedings and to object under the Rules of Evidence to any live testimony presented. There are quite a few such objections, along with many exceptions. For example, "Objection: hearsay," "Objection: relevance," "Objection: speculation," etc. If you choose to represent yourself, familiarize yourself with the Rules of Evidence and "practice, practice, practice" before your trial with areas of inquiry likely to occur and evidence likely to come up in your trial which is objectionable.

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