What is the court's decision-making process for small claims cases?
The Small Claims Court in Indiana is a special court where individuals can resolve disputes without hiring lawyers. The court is designed to be user-friendly and efficient, allowing claimants to navigate the process without legal representation. In small claims court, cases are presented before a judge or a magistrate, who makes a final decision based on the evidence presented. The court will only consider certain types of claims, and the amount of money claimed must be below the court’s monetary limit. A claimant can file a small claim in person or by mail. The court will then send the defendant a notice of the filed claim. Afterward, both parties will have the chance to present evidence, file motions, and call witnesses if needed. The claimant is responsible for presenting their case to the court and the defendant is responsible for presenting a defense. Contract disputes, simple disputes, and other civil matters are all resolved in the small claims court. The decision-making process for small claims cases in Indiana is focused on judgement based on the facts of the case. The court will weigh the evidence and decide which party is in the right, then order them to take appropriate action. The decision of the court may be appealed to a higher court, but it is typically the final decision in the matter.
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