High-Profile Defendants Who Represent Themselves

Dylann Roof, accused of killing nine black church-goers in Charleston, S.C., last year, became the latest high-profile defendant to choose to represent himself. The legal system respects the right to defend oneself – so long as the person is competent – but legal experts say it’s a risky move in such a complex case, and may open the door for future appeals. “A person is entitled to defend himself, even if that’s a stupid decision,” Eric Freedman, law professor at Hofstra University, told the Wall Street Journal. Judge Richard Gergel, overseeing Roof’s case, ruled last week that the 22-year-old is competent to stand trial. He put Roof’s defense counsel on standby, if needed.