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

No, jury trials are not allowed in small claims court cases in Washington. Small claims courts are designed to provide a simpler, more affordable way for individuals to resolve lawsuits involving relatively small amounts of money. These courts are most commonly used for unpaid services, breach of contract, debt collection, and property damage cases. Since they are much less formal than a typical court, proceedings are usually less complicated and less expensive. A small claims court hearing is heard by only a judge and not a jury. This means that there is no right to a jury trial in a small claims case. Instead, the judge will make a decision based on the evidence and the testimony of the parties involved. The judge will also decide whether or not to award any damages to the plaintiff, or the party bringing the lawsuit. In summary, individuals filing a lawsuit in small claims court in Washington do not have the right to have a jury trial. Instead, cases are heard before a single judge who will make a final decision based on the evidence and testimony presented at the hearing. This makes small claims court a more affordable and straightforward option for resolving disputes.

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

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