Assuring Access to Justice: The Role of the Judge in Assisting Pro Se Litigants in Litigating Their Cases in New York City's Housing Court

The article advocates for a multi-faceted approach to address the challenges faced by pro se litigants in New York City's Housing Court, emphasizing judicial reforms to enhance accessibility and fairness. It proposes measures such as judicial training, relaxed evidentiary rules, and an inquisitorial model to ensure pro se litigants receive equitable treatment without compromising judicial impartiality. The analysis highlights the need for systemic changes to prevent the denial of equal access to justice and calls for legislative and administrative support to implement these reforms effectively.