The trial judge or magistrate inadvertently becomes more of a manager of the trial while continuing to be the adjudicator. Although endorsing an increased role for the judiciary in relation to self-represented litigants in particular, we also have sought to establish proper limits for such activism so that the other ends of the justice system, neutrality and efficiency, are not ignored. The need for uniformity 18.8 With apparently increasing numbers of self-represented litigants a uniform approach to intervention is necessary. The District Court has a 'Benchbook' for judges which includes guidelines for dealing with self-represented litigants. Customer Service Guidelines assist in dealing evenhandedly with all types of litigants and users of the courts.
Some courts also have 'in person kits' available for applicants.
These initiatives assist court staff and the judiciary in managing self-represented litigants. Training of staff and the development of more comprehensive benchmarks should complement existing policies and guidelines on self-represented litigants. Achieving a consistency of approach is a safeguard for both individuals using the justice system and those who control, operate and work within it. 18.10 The legal and evidentiary issues raised before the higher courts are usually more complex than those presented in the Local Courts. Supreme Court procedure, which generally applies in District Court proceedings as well, is often too complex for the average self-represented litigant.