|
Practices
|
|
Commencement of Action and General Procedures
|
|
Status Conferences
|
Small claims cases are set for trials when they are docketed, but we can
accommodate the parties if the need for a conference arises, including via telephone
|
|
Motions and Briefs
|
It's helpful if the magistrate is sent a copy because otherwise a motion
might never be brought to my attention until the day of the scheduled trial.
|
|
Continuances
|
Reasonable continuance requests get fair
consideration.
|
|
Civil Pretrial Procedures
|
|
Settlement
|
Both in Small Claims and FE&D situations, the parties rarely have
negotiated when the case is called for trial. We strongly encourage attempts to resolve cases before the hearing formally starts. Mediators occasionally are available.
|
|
Pretrial conferences and orders
|
If the parties suggest it, a pretrial conference will be scheduled for
whatever the parties wish to discuss or resolve. Via phone, if necessary.
|
|
Trial
|
|
Generally
|
Because one party or the other usually is self-represented in Small
Claims Court, gaps in information and evidence are common. When that happens, I don't hesitate to inquire of witnesses myself.
|
|
Trial Date
|
Mornings are reserved for Traffic and Forcible Entry and Detainer
dockets. Occasionally a Small Claims case is set at 11 a.m. Small Claims cases are docketed Monday through Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
|
|
Decorum
|
Cases and people need to be moved through the process expeditiously yet
fairly. The goal is to treat others in the courtroom the way you would like to be treated.
|
