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The Curious Bag
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Small claims refers to a forum established in the local district court system for the expeditious and cost-effective resolution of civil lawsuits for damages that do not exceed a specified statutory dollar amount.
Identification
The amount of damages that qualifies a lawsuit as a small claims matter varies from state to state and is established by the legislature of each jurisdiction.
Less Formal Procedures
Compared to the formalized procedures that govern civil actions in the local district or superior courts, the procedures followed in small claims court are more simplified and less formal.
Features
Claims made by a plaintiff are usually prepared on a pre-printed, one page form and must be filed in the small claims court along with the appropriate filing fee.
Service On Defendant
A plaintiff who files a small claim must serve a copy of the small claims form on the defendant. The proper manner of service on the defendant can vary for each jurisdiction. Some states require service by a sheriff; others allow service by first-class mail.
Effects
Most small claim disputes are heard by a magistrate or a clerk of the court. A decision is usually rendered after the clerk hears each party's presentation of the case.
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