Ark. Clerk Pro Se Appeals Guide I

This guide is prepared to assist non-lawyers through the process of appealing

to the Arkansas Supreme Court and the Arkansas Court of Appeals. But beware.

Appeals are complicated—even for lawyers with years of experience. Missteps may

result in the loss of important rights. If you can hire an attorney or find one willing

to represent you for free, you are strongly encouraged to do so. However, you are

allowed to represent yourself on appeal if you want. If you represent yourself, you

will be expected to follow the same rules as attorneys. This guide was created to help

you understand the appeals process and to comply with the rules governing appeals.

The Arkansas Supreme Court and the Arkansas Court of Appeals are the

appellate courts of the State of Arkansas. Although there are exceptions, most cases

the appellate courts hear are appeals from decisions of the Arkansas circuit courts.

Therefore, appealing from circuit court to the appellate courts is the focus of this

guide, and this guide does not cover appeals from decisions of district courts,

municipal courts, the Workers’ Compensation Commission, or Arkansas Division

of Workforce Services’ Board of Review. It also does not cover appeals in

dependency-neglect or criminal cases.

This guide starts with some general information about appeals, including

some basic concepts, rules, and definitions. Next, this guide discusses in more detail

the steps to filing an appeal, including the notice of appeal, the appellate record, and

appellate briefs. After that, this guide will explain petitions for rehearing and review,

which can be used to challenge an unfavorable appellate court decision before that

decision becomes final. Lastly, this guide answers some frequently asked questions

about appeals.

1. Arkansas Court Structure