In forma pauperis is a legal term derived from the Latin phrase in the form of a pauper. In the United States, the designation is given by both state and federal courts to someone who is without the funds to pursue the normal costs of a lawsuit or a criminal defense. It 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. Normal costs such as filing fees are waived but discovery costs like depositions and witness fees are not.
IFP status is usually granted in connection to pro se petitioners, but the two concepts are separate and distinct.
In forma pauperis proceedings are available in every state and on the federal level (except most bankruptcies). A person with a low income (usually eligible for or receiving public assistance including food stamps) fills out in forma pauperis papers (indicating income and expenses) before filing his first court paper (complaint or answer). The papers request that the court decide whether or not the costs be paid. Although a hearing before a judge is sometimes needed, the more usual practice is for the court to grant or deny the request without a hearing.
In many jurisdictions the fact of IFP status is sealed (kept confidential).
In federal court, the grant of IFP in the district court usually carries over to any appeals, thus saving duplication. The issue of whether fictional entities such as corporations are entitled to IFP status is unsettled in many jurisdictions, as is the items covered by IFP status, especially in a civil action. E.g. depositions, service of papers, witness expenses, etc.
English Law. When a person is so poor that he cannot bear the charges of suing at law or in equity, upon making oath that he is not worth five pounds and bringing a certificate from a counselor at law that he believes him to have a just cause, he is permitted to sue informa pauperis, in the manner of a pauper; that is, he is allowed to have original writs and subpoenas gratis and counsel assigned him without fee.