The “People’s Court”

The small claims departments are informal courts which people can use to sue for small amounts of money, up to $4,000, without a lawyer. Small claims departments are part of the magistrates division of the district court and a magistrate is the judge of the small claims department. While they are official court cases, small claims hearings are designed to be quick and relaxed to allow consumers and business people an inexpensive method of settling minor claims.