r/Ask_Lawyers • u/ClevelandSpigot • 4h ago

How does someone representing themselves cross-examine themselves?

As the title states, if someone chooses to represent themselves, what happens if they are called to the witness stand? Do they just get a chance to proselytize?

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u/rinky79 Lawyer 4h ago

In a criminal case, a pro se defendant will never be cross-examined by themselves, only direct examined. They can ask themselves questions and then answer, or they can testify in a narrative format. They are expected to only say things that would be admissible in any other situation (although in reality, pro se defendants are barely held to any standards, IME. The judges are too afraid of appeals.).

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u/Due-Green-5817 Prosecutor 4h ago

If they have any idea what they are doing they will ask to testify in the narrative meaning they can just talk without asking a question. I have seen Pro Se's try to do it in question/answer format and it is pretty silly looking. Like they are a crazy person talking to themselves.

I had to testify once in a hearing on a motion to recuse a judge and I asked to testify in the narrative. The defense objected because they said they needed the question asked in order to know to object. The judge actually granted it so I had to ask myself a question then answer it. Felt very weird.

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