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Small Claims Court. CIVIL LAW – UNIT 4. Brainstorm…. What are examples of small claims courts you have seen on television? What kinds of conflicts are dealt with in small claims court? What could motivate a plaintiff to take someone to small claims court?
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Small Claims Court CIVIL LAW – UNIT 4
Brainstorm… • What are examples of small claims courts you have seen on television? • What kinds of conflicts are dealt with in small claims court? • What could motivate a plaintiff to take someone to small claims court? • What effect do you think going to small claims court would have on plaintiffs? • *Small Claims DVD
Let’s Recap video clip… • What steps does the plaintiff take to resolve this dispute before deciding to go to court? • What mistakes does the defendant make before appearing in court? • What are damages? • How is civil law different from criminal law? • Why was the plaintiff’s suit in this clip successful? • Would you be willing to use small claims court? Why/why not?
Small Claims Court • Sometimes referred to as “the people’s court” • Informal and inexpensive way for settling disputes • Claims of $10,000 or less • Parties are not expected to know legal terms • Each side of the party gets a chance to tell their story to a judge • Lawyers are usually only used for complex matters
Small Claims Court in Ontario • All provinces and territories have booklets with step-by-step procedures for filing a claim • In Ontario http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/courts/scc/
Types of Small Claims Actions • Breach of contract • Claims for minor accidents • Damage to property • Recovery of property • Unpaid bills • Unpaid loans • Unpaid rent • Unpaid wages
Class action is when all injured parties sue together as plaintiffs in one action • If more than one person is responsible for causing the loss, they all should be sued as defendants • Litigation is the process of suing • Litigants are the parties involved (plaintiff & defendant)
Judge Judy • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-9QJpUkHVM