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Is Small Claims Court Like What Is Shown On TV?
Watching a Reality TV Court Show and Actually Conducting a Small Claims Court Case Are Very Different Whereas the Small Claims Court Is a Genuine Court of Law That Operates As a Division of the Superior Court of Justice Using a Unique Set of Procedural Rules.
A Helpful Guide to Understanding Why It Is Called the Small Claims Court Rather Than the Simple Cases Court
It is called the Small Claims Court instead of the Simple Claims Court because lawsuits for amounts under $35,000 may be just as complicated, and perhaps more so, than many legal cases that are above the $35,000 limit of Small Claims Court (the limit of $35,000 became effective January 1 2020). Do note that the $35,000 limit applies exclusive of court costs, legal representation costs, and interest.
The Procedural Law
Just the same as with cases for sums beyond the $35,000 limit that are pursued in the higher court, a case in the Small Claims Court will involve the procedural law regarding the rules for the process of how a legal matter is conducted as well as the substantive law that applies to the actual legal issue in dispute. The procedural law is known as the Rules of the Small Claims Court which is essentially the general how to manual for the process of conducting a Small Claims Court case including what documents, being specific forms, are required as well as the step-by-step manner by which a legal case in the Small Claims Court occurs.
Additional Resources:
For sources of further helpful information regarding the rules of procedure and forms applicable to the Small Claims Court, see:
- Rules of the Small Claims Court
- Small Claims Court Forms
- Ministry of the Attorney General, Small Claims Court
