Federal Court launches Litigants in Person Practice Note

The Practice Note contains guidance for people with a case in the Federal Court who are not represented by a lawyer. It also contains information about obtaining legal assistance and a party’s responsibilities if they proceed to court without legal representation.

Other information such as the role of the Court and what a person must or must not do if they are commencing or defending a matter is also set out.

Chief Justice Debra Mortimer says “The Litigants in Person Practice Note ensures that obligations and expectations are communicated to litigants in person from the beginning. It enables people who do not have the benefit of legal advice to know what they are in for and to make informed decisions about how to proceed. This includes being informed whether there might be free or low-cost legal support available.

“The number of matters commenced by litigants in person is rising significantly in the Federal Court, which only heightens the importance of having clear, accessible guidance available at the outset, and providing such support as its resources allow to those people who conduct a proceeding without a lawyer.”

The Practice Note, which is now available on the Court’s website, was developed by the Court in consultation with a variety of stakeholders including community legal centres, the legal profession, peak bodies and litigants in person.