[1] It refers to the ability of an indigent person to proceed in court without payment of the usual fees associated with a lawsuit or appeal.

[1] The status is usually granted by a judge without a hearing, and it entitles the person to a waiver of normal costs, and sometimes in criminal cases the appointment of counsel.

[4] Approximately two-thirds of writ of certiorari petitions to the Supreme Court are filed in forma pauperis.

[7] Gideon v. Wainwright, 372 U.S. 335 (1963), is a landmark case in United States Supreme Court history where in forma pauperis was invoked.

[8] In forma pauperis is usually granted in connection to pro se petitioners, but the two concepts are separate and distinct.