What does pro se mean in this context?

Question

The defendant appeared pro se.

Answer 1

The defendant appeared without a lawyer representing him.

He appeared on behalf of himself...pro se.

Answer 2

pro se = One who represents oneself in a court proceeding without the assistance of a lawyer.

Answer 3

It means the person misunderstood the law, slowed the whole legal process down, annoyed the judge and opposing counsel, and when that person explains the process to his/her friends, s/he will get at least three important aspects of the story wrong.

In other words, s/he didn't hire a lawyer and instead chose to represent him/herself.

Answer 4

when someone represents themselves..normally a bad idea