How are Small Claims court cases conducted?
Informal hearings are held before a 36th District Court magistrate. During the hearing, all parties tell their sides of the case. It is important that you bring to court any records, evidence and witnesses to support your case. You should be prepared to state your case clearly and completely. After testimony and evidence is presented, the magistrate makes a decision. A magistrate is a lawyer appointed by the chief judge of a court, who has certain powers and duties which includes Small Claims hearings. The Magistrate may also decide to refer your case to Mediation before hearing it in the courtroom. Mediation provides the parties on the case with an opportunity to bring their dispute before a neutral facilitator who has been professionally trained to aid in dispute resolution. Mediators make no determination of right or wrong, they simply assist in the search for equitable resolution between parties. Both the plaintiff and the defendant must agree to participate in the mediation proces
