Litigants in Person in Civil and Family Courts in Northern Ireland: Overview of research & policy developments

In Northern Ireland, as in all jurisdictions of the UK, Litigants In Person (LIPs) have the right to access a public legal system and to do so directly through self-representation. This does not dilute their human right to a fair trial and if the legal system disadvantages them for representing themselves then reform is needed. The legal system has evolved over many years, proving its ability to adapt to changing circumstances, including the adaptions that are beginning to be made for litigants in person. The reports summarised within this briefing build on the strength of the legal system to meet the access to justice needs of its users, providing evidence-based recommendations of how it should continue to develop in relation to litigants in person. The research has brought LIPs into view, and they are now being considered as part of a range of policy developments that have aligned with the research recommendations. This briefing sets out those developments.