You can choose to do this if you think it’s better for you to talk directly to the judge, jury or magistrates yourself. You can also choose to speak for yourself in court because you can’t afford to pay a legal professional.

If you’re representing yourself because you can’t afford to pay for a legal professional, check if you can get legal aid to help pay for your legal costs.

You’re allowed to have someone to help you in court by taking notes but they’re not allowed to speak for you or interfere with proceedings. This person is known as a ‘McKenzie friend’.