The term "pro se" refers to which of the following?

The term "pro se" refers specifically to an individual who represents themselves in court without the assistance of a lawyer. This means that a person choosing to proceed pro se takes on the responsibility for their own legal representation, making decisions about their case and presenting their arguments and evidence directly to the court. The concept reflects the right of individuals to advocate for themselves, which is an important aspect of legal systems that respect self-representation.

While the other options touch on important roles within the legal context, they do not capture the essence of what "pro se" signifies. Representing others in court, providing legal advice to clients, and assisting attorneys in legal research all involve professional legal representation or support services typically performed by licensed attorneys or paralegals, rather than individuals acting on their own behalf. Thus, the key distinction of "pro se" is its direct association with self-representation in legal matters.