Representing yourself in court, known as pro se representation, is a constitutional right protected under the sixth amendment. The U.S. Supreme Court case Faretta v. California (1975) affirmed that criminal defendants may waive their right to counsel and represent themselves if they do so knowingly and intelligently, and if the court deems them competent. However, this right generally applies only to criminal trials, not necessarily to appeals. However, self-representation is risky, especially in complex legal matters, and is generally discouraged.

Several high-profile cases demonstrate the dangers of self representation. Ted Bundy, the infamous serial killer, represented himself in his 1979 murder trial, but his lack of legal strategy and erratic behavior contributed to his conviction and death sentence. Darrel Brooks, who defended himself in the Waukesha parade attack trial (2022), disrupted proceedings with outbursts and poor legal arguments, leading to his conviction on all charges. Jim Traficant, a former U.S. Representative, defended himself against bribery and racketeering charges in 2002, using an aggressive but ineffective approach, resulting in an eight year prison sentence.

Another example is Collin Ferguson, who defended himself in 1994 after committing a mass shooting on a Long Island train. He bizarrely cross-examined his own victims, alienating the jury and ensuring his life sentence without parole. These cases illustrate that while self-representation is a right, it often leads to negative outcomes, particularly in high-stakes criminal trials.