Chapter 209.
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/statutes-at-large/vol-27/chapter-209-1037864·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
CHAP. 209.— An act providing when plaintiff may sue as a poor person and when counsel shall be assigned by the court.July 20, 1892. *Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled*,United States courts. That any citizen of the United States, entitled to commence any suit or action in any court of the Entering units without paying costs.United States, may commence and prosecute to conclusion any such suit or action without being required to prepay fees or costs, or give security therefor before, or after bringing suit or action, upon filing in Affidavit of poverty.said court a statement under oath, in writing, that, because of his poverty, he is unable to pay the costs of said suit or action which he is about to commence, or to give security for the same, and that he believes he is entitled to the redress he seeks by such suitor action, and setting forth briefly the nature of his alleged cause of action.
Sec. 2. That after any such suit or action shall have been brought,Affidavit when demand for fees, etc., is made. or that is now pending, the plaintiff may answer and avoid a demand for fees or security for costs by filing a like affidavit, and wilful false swearing in any affidavit provided for in this or the previous section, shall be punishable as perjury is in other cases. Sec. 3. That the officers of court shall issue, serve all process, andProcess, etc., to issue. perform all duties in such cases, and witnesses shall attend as in other cases, and the plaintiff shall have the same remedies as are provided by law in other cases.
Sec. 4. That the court may request any attorney of the court toAssignment of counsel. represent such poor person, if it deems the cause worthy of a trial, and may dismiss any such cause so brought under this act if it be made to appear that the allegation of poverty is. untrue, or if said court be satisfied that the alleged cause of action is frivolous or malicious. Sec. 5. That judgment may be rendered for costs at the conclusionCosts on judgment. *Proviso*. Nonliability of United States. of the suit as in other cases: *Provided*, That the United States shall not be liable for any of the costs thus incurred.
Approved, July 20, 1892.