Parties representing themselves in court without the assistance of an attorney are known as pro se litigants. “Pro se” is Latin for “in one’s own behalf.” The right to appear pro se in a civil case in federal court is defined by statute 28 U.S.C. § 1654; see also United States v. Martinez, 1984 NMSC 72, 684 P.2d 509, 101 N.M. 423 (representing one’s self in a legal proceeding does not constitute practicing law).