Self-Represented Criminal Defendants in Bhutan : Empirical Findings

This article presents the findings of the first empirical research into self-represented defendants in criminal trials in Bhutan, including interviews with 16 judges from 14 courts in Bhutan, and analysis of judicial forms relating to the exercise or waiver of the right to counsel in 92 criminal case files from nine courts across the country. This article reports on the demographic backgrounds of self-represented defendants in criminal trials in Bhutan, judicial perceptions of their needs and difficulties, their reasons for self-representation, and the services available to them. The results suggest that there are a distinct group of litigants coming before the court without counsel for particular reasons, with particular needs and facing particular difficulties. The findings reveal that there are no specific services available to them and highlight the need for more concerted action by the court and the state