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Should children as young as 3 represent themselves in court?

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A federal judge in Seattle will hear arguments in an immigration case that could change law nationwide.

Two years ago, a class-action lawsuit was filed against the federal government, demanding children have public defenders in immigration court.

The lawsuit was filed by a local activist on behalf of immigrant children all across the United States.

But a recent development shocked many people across the Internet.

From a sworn deposition, we know that Assistant Chief Immigration Judge Jack Weil, of Virginia, says a child can act as his or her own attorney in deportation hearings.

KIRO 7 News reported the following in early March.

A comment made by an immigration judge during a hearing over a lawsuit filed in Seattle has sent shock waves across the country.

One judge says yes.

 

Many undocumented children who walk into the immigration courthouse in downtown Seattle don't have an attorney and must represent themselves. <a href="http://www.kiro7.com/news/can-a-3-year-old-adequately-represent-themselves-in-court-immigration-judge-yes/150047484">Click here to read the full article.</a>

Matt Adams with the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project, who filed the lawsuit, says the claim is ridiculous and unfair.

"You do not have the capacity to represent yourself, to defend yourself and explain under which laws you might qualify to remain in this country," Adams said.

A group called Latino Advocacy in Bellingham said it's heard of many cases like this, throughout the country, where a child must act as his or her own attorney.

It's estimated that 40,000 kids across the country go through immigration court every year. Thursday's hearing starts at 9 a.m. and the case could go to trial in September.

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