There are many different types of courts and lawsuits, but one of the biggest things is that most of them are huge in scope. Lawsuits cost lots of money for lawyers and court fees, and so it is often not worth it to go to court over something small. This leads to many people avoiding taking someone to court because it isn't worth it. But, there are certain courts called small claims courts that exist to aid people in these types of small lawsuits. When you want to take someone to court, or when someone wants to take you to court, over a matter that is minor, you will generally do so in small claims courts. These lawsuit regulations vary from state to state, but most of the time they are for lawsuits that are in amounts that are less than $10,000. This might include car accidents or property damage, and it might include contracts that are small contracts which one party feels were not met correctly by the other party. The claims must be small, and they must not involve any type of large company or any large amounts of money.
Going to Court
Often, with small claims court, a person might represent themselves. Generally, the court practice is very easy--with a judge and each party there. Each party will tell the judge their side of the story and will give any evidence that they have to prove that they are telling the truth. When the judge has heard both sides of the story, he will make a judgment based on who she thinks is telling the truth. If lawyers are used, they are often pro bono lawyers. Also, the court costs are usually assigned to the losing party.
The Verdicts
Just because it is small claims court does not mean that the verdicts do not stick. The judge will order one party to pay the other party whatever he deems that he owes, and the losing party will also need to pay court costs. A judge cannot assign jail time, however, for small claims lawsuit. The only thing that the judge can order is fees and restitutions to be paid to the winning party.
