Latin term for "in the manner of a pauper," which describes a litigant who is excused by a court from paying filing fees and court costs because she cannot afford to do so.

Before authorizing a person to proceed in forma pauperis, courts typically require an affidavit that, among other things, discloses the person's assets and income. Although excused from paying court fees and costs, a litigant who is authorized to proceed in forma pauperis still must pay other expenses, such as deposition transcription costs and witness fees.