Legal Definitions - forma pauperis

Definition: Forma pauperis means "in the manner of a pauper." It is a legal term that allows indigent individuals to proceed with a lawsuit without paying filing fees and court costs.

Example: If a poor person wants to file a lawsuit but cannot afford the fees, they can request to proceed in forma pauperis. This means that they will not have to pay the usual fees associated with filing a lawsuit.

Explanation: The example illustrates how forma pauperis works in practice. It shows that indigent individuals can still access the legal system even if they cannot afford to pay the fees. This is important because it ensures that everyone has equal access to justice, regardless of their financial situation.