In propria persona

What in propria persona means

In short, in propria persona is a term you will meet in court papers, rules and legal research. The definition above gives its usual meaning in American civil practice. However, the exact meaning can depend on the rule, statute or court decision that uses it. So it helps to read the term in context.

Where in propria persona comes up

For example, the term appears in these procedures:

• Answer (Fed. R. Civ. P. 8(b), 12(a)): the defendant's responsive pleading. It admits or denies the allegations of the complaint and states any defenses.

How to research the term

Start with the primary source. For example, if in propria persona appears in a federal rule, read the rule itself and its official notes. After that, check your court’s local rules and any standing orders from the judge. In addition, search recent decisions from your own state or federal district. They show how courts read in propria persona in practice. Because state rules often differ, our state procedures guide links to each state’s official rules. Above all, make sure the version you read is still in force.

You can read the official rule text online for free.

Related legal terms

• Defendant: the person or entity a lawsuit is brought against.
• Pleading: a formal written statement of a party's claims or defenses. Under Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 7(a), the pleadings are the complaint, the answer, and certain other listed documents. Motions are not pleadings.
• Answer: the defendant's pleading responding to the complaint, admitting or denying each allegation and stating defenses.

Why precise terms matter

Courts read legal terms closely. As a result, knowing the exact meaning of a word helps you follow orders, rules and filings. Each glossary entry on Lawtopolis is short on purpose and links to the pages where the term is used.