definition
strict definition
small claims court
A court of law restricted to civil cases involving monetary claims below a small-claims limit.
A small claims court is a court of law whose jurisdiction is limited to civil cases involving small monetary claims.
The limited amount of money in dispute distinguishes this court from a general civil court. The definition does not impose one monetary limit across different legal systems.
The court hears civil claims rather than criminal prosecutions. Its purpose is defined by that combination of case type and limited claim size.
Related definitions
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civil court
A court restricted to civil monetary claims, excluding courts limited specifically to small claims. -
criminal court
A court of law restricted to criminal cases, with international criminal courts classified separately. -
divorce court
A court of law designated for legal cases involving dissolution of marriages. -
domestic violence court
A court of law designated for legal cases involving violence within families. -
trade court
A court of law restricted to trade disputes, including cases about treaties, competition, customs, or tariffs. -
traffic court
A court of law restricted to cases concerning violations of traffic laws and regulations.