Problem
The Sixth Amendment to the Constitution provides that "In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to . . . have the assistance of counsel for his defense." This right was applied to the states in Gideon v. Wainwright (372 U.S. 335 [1963]). Nevertheless, it is possible for defendants to represent themselves in court; when they do so they are called pro se litigants. (Pro se is Latin for "in one's own behalf.") What are the advantages and disadvantages of pro se representation?