How does the evidence presented in a small claims court hearing differ from that presented in other courts?

In Delaware, small claims court hearings are less formal than other court hearings. The evidence presented in small claims court is usually more limited when compared to other courts. Generally, the only evidence that can be presented is testimony, documents, and tangible items, as opposed to more technical evidence such as laboratory results or complex computer analyses. The other main difference is that Delaware small claims court hearings are determined by the judge alone, as opposed to other courts, where cases may be heard in front of a jury. In Delaware, witnesses in small claims court do not have to be qualified experts, but they must have personal knowledge of the facts in the case. Witnesses may be cross-examined by the opposing party, but their testimony cannot be challenged by an attorney, as it would be in other courtrooms. Documents and tangible items must be authenticated to be admissible as evidence. In Delaware, the rules of evidence used in small claims court are simpler than those followed in other courtrooms. For instance, hearsay evidence is generally admissible in small claims court, while it is usually inadmissible in other courtrooms. Additionally, the judge has the final say as to which evidence is relevant and admissible, as opposed to other courts, where jurors and judges typically decide the admissibility of evidence. Overall, Delaware small claims court hearings differ from those held in other courts because the rules are less formal, the types of evidence are more limited, and the judge has the final say on the admissibility of evidence and which facts are relevant.

How does the evidence presented in a small claims court hearing differ from that presented in other courts?

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