Joseph, defendants who go the pro se route are aided by staff lawyers who work for the court.
CTl, Itamar Ben-Gvir did such a good job of representing himself that a judge suggested that he become a lawyer. Now he is one of israel’s top lawyers. However, the enormous cost of law school in the US screams for reform. Here in Israel (and not only Israel) Law is a BA like any other BA and it only takes 3-1/2 years. I think that there should also be a return to the apprenticeship system. Lincoln did not even do that but taught himself.