TN.
Is it true that if you choose to represent yourself in court, you give up your right to appeal the judge's decision? If so, why is that?
TN.
Is it true that if you choose to represent yourself in court, you give up your right to appeal the judge's decision? If so, why is that?
Legally, that is not correct. A pro-se litigant has exactly the same rights as a represented litigant does.
On the practical side though, it is very rare that a pro-se appellant can prevail in an appeal because appeals rules are so complicated. Just one little word or paragraph that is innocently put in the wrong place on a brief can result in the entire appeal being dismissed.
If someone has to go to court pro-se, they really will need to hire an attorney for the appeal.