Can I introduce new evidence in a small claims court hearing after it has started?
In a small claims court in Florida, the answer to the question of whether you can introduce new evidence after the hearing has started is yes, although it is not recommended. If you attempt to introduce new evidence after a hearing has already started, the court will decide if the evidence is relevant to the case. The decision to allow the evidence to be presented is ultimately up to the discretion of the judge. In some cases, the judge may rule that the evidence is too late or not relevant to the case. For instance, if the evidence does not directly relate to a specific legal issue or question, the judge may determine that it should not be presented. In this situation, the judge may rule that the evidence is inadmissible, and it will not be considered in the court’s deliberations. If you want to present new evidence at a small claims court hearing, then it is important that you do so as soon as possible. This will allow the other party enough time to respond to the evidence and present their own counterarguments. It also ensures that the judge has everything he or she needs to make an informed decision. Thus, while it is technically possible to present new evidence at a small claims court hearing after it has already started, it is not recommended since it can unduly delay the proceedings, and the judge may decide not to accept the evidence if it is deemed irrelevant.
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