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Representing myself in court

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  • 06-05-2010 1:58pm
    #1
    Joe10000
    Registered Users Posts: 1,295 ✭✭✭


    I am representing myself tomorrow in the district court. The case is a commercial one and the disputed amount of money does not justify hiring a solicitor/barrister as their fees would exceed this amount.

    Anyway I am looking for some advice on protocol and procedure. I will obviously dress for the occasion, will leave my mobile outside of the court and not refer to the judge as anything but that.

    Any general advice from anyone who has done this before ?

    Thanks

    Paul.


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    #2
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users Posts: 28,120 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    I've done it but it was for a road traffic offence. It may be worth talking to a solicitor to get the best advice, you don't need them to go in with you, just get some pointers.
    Just make sure all your duck are in a row and you have all your proof to back up any thing you say.
    Is it the small claims court?


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    #3
    Joe10000
    Registered Users Posts: 1,295 ✭✭✭Joe10000


    No it's the district court.

    I have spoken to a Barrister friend but was just looking for feedback from people that have done it before, thanks.


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    #4
    shaneybaby
    Registered Users Posts: 415 ✭✭shaneybaby


    paulcompton wrote: »
    I am representing myself tomorrow in the district court. The case is a commercial one and the disputed amount of money does not justify hiring a solicitor/barrister as their fees would exceed this amount.

    Anyway I am looking for some advice on protocol and procedure. I will obviously dress for the occasion, will leave my mobile outside of the court and not refer to the judge as anything but that.

    Any general advice from anyone who has done this before ?

    Thanks

    Paul.

    If you are bringing in documentation make sure you have photcopies with you (one for yourself, one for the judge, one for ther otherside and one spare)

    Also just to let you be aware if you are a small business and a registered company you technically can't represent the company in court. If it is just yourself you're representing then you'll be fine in that regard.
    Good luck!S


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    #5
    drunkmonkey
    Registered Users Posts: 28,120 ✭✭✭✭drunkmonkey


    Yea I had no bother, it was a bit nerve racking as I was on my own but I was well presented and polite, the judge was nice and friendly ( there were a lot of toe rags in court that day, I probably looked more like a solicitor than a criminal).
    The case went in my favour. I'd be happy to represent myself again. It was pretty straight forward looking back on it. Not sure how it would go in your case when your looking for money.


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    #6
    Joe10000
    Registered Users Posts: 1,295 ✭✭✭Joe10000


    I am happy my case is watertight (famous last words ???) and I am looking forward to it. I cannot see any need for legal arguement in this and should be a pretty straight case of arbitration for the judge.


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    #7
    Joe10000
    Registered Users Posts: 1,295 ✭✭✭Joe10000


    shaneybaby wrote: »
    If you are bringing in documentation make sure you have photcopies with you (one for yourself, one for the judge, one for ther otherside and one spare)

    Also just to let you be aware if you are a small business and a registered company you technically can't represent the company in court. If it is just yourself you're representing then you'll be fine in that regard.
    Good luck!S

    Thanks for that, I have all the copies and I was personally summoned.


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    #8
    creepyc1
    Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 3 ✭creepyc1


    Hi there, I am an independent radio producer hoping to make a programme about people who decide to represent themselves in court. If anyone has gone through / is going through this experience and would like to talk about it (anon if necessary) please get in contact. Thanks


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    #9
    Joe10000
    Registered Users Posts: 1,295 ✭✭✭Joe10000


    creepyc1 wrote: »
    Hi there, I am an independent radio producer hoping to make a programme about people who decide to represent themselves in court. If anyone has gone through / is going through this experience and would like to talk about it (anon if necessary) please get in contact. Thanks

    My case was not very exciting but I'm happy to talk to you if you want.


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