Can I have a jury trial in a small claims court case?

No, you cannot have a jury trial in a small claims court case in California. Small claims court is designed to allow individuals or small businesses to resolve disputes quickly, cheaply, and easily, without the involvement of a judge or jury. In California, a small claims court is limited to cases in which the person bringing the suit is claiming $10,000 or less (per case). Small claims courts are often used for disputes between landlords and tenants, for example. Although small claims court does not allow for jury trials, the proceedings are relatively informal and laid back. The court has rules that are created to ensure that each person involved in the case is allowed their say and that their rights are protected. Each party involved in the case is given a fair chance to explain their case and present evidence to back up their claims. The court issues its own decision which is final and binding. The idea behind a small claims court is to make it easier and faster to resolve disputes without involving the more formal processes of a jury trial. In this way, it provides an opportunity for individuals to get justice in a timely manner without the expense and complexity of that process.

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Can I have a jury trial in a small claims court case?

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