Colin Thatcher goes through a security screening as he enters the Court of Queen's Bench in Regina Thursday. (CBC)Convicted murderer Colin Thatcher will act as his own lawyer as he begins the legal fight to collect proceeds from the sale of his new book.

Thatcher, 71, appeared in a Regina courtroom Thursday.

"I have no comment," was all Thatcher had to say to reporters as he walked into the building.

Inside, Thatcher joked with security guards that he is not used to entering a court building unescorted.

Saskatchewan wants Thatcher's proceeds for the book Final Appeal: Anatomy of a Frame.

The book deals with Thatcher's criminal case.

The former provincial cabinet minister and son of a premier was convicted and sentenced to life for the brutal killing of his ex-wife, JoAnn Wilson.

Wilson was beaten and shot in the head in 1983.

Thatcher was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison in 1984.

His book was released in September. Shortly after it was released, Saskatchewan sought to enforce a new law designed to prevent criminals from profiting by telling the story of their crimes.

Free speech argument

Thatcher has said his book focuses on his experiences with the justice system.

He is also arguing that the law violates his constitutional right to free speech.

Thatcher, 71, is seen as he leaves court in Regina on Thursday. (CBC)Thursday's court appearance was brief and the judge did most of the talking, providing instructions on legal filings, notices and other paperwork that needs to be done before arguments are made at a court date set for Dec. 3.

"When you do have self-represented individuals, you want to make sure of the processes they need to comply with," Darryl Brown, a lawyer from the Ministry of Justice assigned to the case, told reporters after court.

"I think it's an important case," Brown added. "It will test the boundaries of the freedom of expression and things like that."

Thatcher told the judge it will be difficult for him to prepare his case in the time allotted, but said he would be there.

Thatcher was in prison for 22 years before winning full parole in November 2006. He lives on the family ranch near Moose Jaw, about 75 kilometres west of Regina.