New Report: Pro Se Litigants Face Systemic Barriers to Justice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 13, 2026

John Adams Inquirer Report: Pro Se Litigants Face Systemic Barriers to Justice

Comprehensive study documents challenges facing self-represented parties in American courts

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The John Adams Inquirer today released a comprehensive report documenting the systemic barriers faced by pro se litigants—individuals who represent themselves in court without an attorney—in the American justice system.

The report, titled "Equal Justice Denied: The Pro Se Crisis in American Courts," analyzes data from federal and state courts across the country, revealing that self-represented parties face overwhelming odds in civil litigation.

Report Highlights:

• Pro se litigants prevail in only 4% of civil cases, compared to 31% for represented parties
• 78% of pro se litigants report difficulty understanding court procedures
• Average wait times for pro se cases are 40% longer than represented cases
• Court self-help resources are available in only 35% of jurisdictions
• Language barriers affect 23% of pro se litigants

"The promise of equal justice under law rings hollow when millions of Americans cannot effectively access our courts," the report states. "The complexity of our legal system has become a barrier to justice itself."

Recommendations:

The report calls for comprehensive reforms including:

• Mandatory plain-language court documents
• Expanded court self-help centers with trained staff
• Reduced filing fees for low-income litigants
• AI-assisted legal guidance tools
• Simplified procedures for common case types
• Remote hearing options to reduce travel burdens

The full report is available for download on the John Adams Inquirer website.

About John Adams Inquirer

The John Adams Inquirer is an independent investigative journalism organization dedicated to monitoring judicial bias and promoting fair access to justice.

Media Contact: [email protected]

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