What is the difference between small claims court and civil court?

Small claims court and civil court are both types of court systems that are used to resolve disputes. However, the two court systems have different eligibility criteria, procedures, and outcomes. Small claims court is used for resolving disputes of lower amounts, typically less than $5,000. In small claims court, no lawyers are allowed, and the process is much simpler than that of a civil court. The court also does not require as much documentation as a civil court does. The outcomes of small claims court are binding, however, they do not set legal precedents in the way a civil court does. Civil court is designed to handle disputes that involve larger amounts of money. It also deals with qualities such as contract violations, property disputes, libel, and slander. The process of a civil court is more complex, and the resolution of the dispute is not binding like it is in small claims court. Lawyers are allowed in civil court and the outcome often sets legal precedents for future cases. In conclusion, small claims court and civil court are both court systems used to settle disputes. However, the types of disputes and procedures of the court system are quite different. Small claims court is designed to deal with lower amounts of money, and the outcome of the court is binding. Civil court is used to handle larger disputes and its outcomes set legal precedents.

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