In the Interest of Z.L.T.

In this case, we decide whether the trial court abused its discretion by implicitly denying a pro se inmate’s request for a bench warrant. We hold that it did not. Accordingly, we reverse the court of appeals’ judgment.

I

The Attorney General filed suit to establish the parent-child relationship between Thompson and three minor children. Thompson, who was incarcerated and proceeding pro se, filed an application for writ of habeas corpus ad testificandum, also known as a bench warrant, requesting permission to appear personally at pre-trial and trial hearings. The record does not reflect an…