small claims

Legal Definition of small claims

Noun

1. A regular court but which has simplified rules of procedure and process to deal with claims of a lesser value. Many jurisdictions have established small-claims courts which, because of their structures and reliance on deformalized proceedings, allow for expedited hearings and where representation by lawyer is not required or encouraged. Some typical distinctive characteristics of small claims courts include the ability to serve by regular mail and to seize both a court and an adversary at far less cost than in ordinary courts.

See also

• small-claims court