NCJ Number
67076
Date Published
1979
Length
0 pages
Annotation
A TYPICAL SMALL CLAIMS COURT SCENE IS PRESENTED IN THIS FILM THAT SHOWS ONE NEIGHBOR SUING ANOTHER FOR DAMAGING HIS SON'S BICYCLE.
Abstract
THE FILM FOLLOWS THE CASE FROM THE INITIATION OF THE SUIT TO ITS RESOLUTION AND DESCRIBES THE ADVANTAGES OF SMALL CLAIMS COURT FOR USERS: A FILING FEE OF $15, A ONE-PAGE FORM, INFORMAL PROCEEDINGS WHERE ATTORNEYS ARE NOT ESSENTIAL, AND QUICK SETTLEMENT. THE RIGHT TO APPEAL AND TO CHOOSE ARBITRATION ARE DISCUSSED BRIEFLY. THE FILM ALSO GIVES A BRIEF HISTORY OF FAMILY DISPUTE SETTLEMENT, AND SHOWS THE INITIAL PROCESS OF FILING, AND NOTING CASES THAT ARE OUTSIDE THE COURT'S JURISDICTION. SCENES FROM THE SMALL CLAIMS COURT CASE DEPICT WITNESS TESTIMONY, QUESTIONS BY THE JUDGE, AND THE JUDGE'S FINAL COMMENTS AND DECISION. AN EVALUATION SHEET ACCOMPANIES THE FILM.