What Happens At Trial In A New Jersey Small Claims Section, Special Civil Part Case?
On the day that your case goes to trial you must appear at court. Usually, many cases are heard on the day that your case is called for trial and it is not uncommon for many people to wait in a single courtroom for their case to be called. You must be on time to avoid losing your case! If a plaintiff fails to appear when their case is called, the New Jersey Small Claims Section, Special Civil Part is likely to dismiss the complaint. If a defendant fails to appear when the case is called, the New Jersey Small Claims Section, Special Civil Part shall likely enter a default. If a default is entered, you shall have to prepare and file paperwork with the court asking the court to enter a default judgment in your favor. If no default is entered, you must be prepared to present your case or defense. It is not uncommon for judges to get very frustrated by an unrepresented partys lack of preparation or ignorance of the facts or law of the case. A court has the power to punish unprepared parties
