What is the purpose of small claims court?
Judge Laninya Cason: The purpose of small claims court is to provide an expeditious, simplified and inexpensive procedure for litigants to handle cases involving tort or contract for money not exceeding $5,000. Q: Do people typically represent themselves?If so, do problems arise for the average citizen who doesn’t understand how to work in a court of law? Cason: Yes. … Cason: Any contract or tort claim of $5,000 or less. … Cason: Recently the Supreme Court of Illinois announced an increase in the small claim limit from $5,000 to $10,000. … Cason: Absolutely. … Cason: As with any litigation, there are winners and losers. … Cason: There are all sorts of good stories to tell in small claims. … Judge Laninya A. Cason is an Associate Circuit Judge for the 20th Judicial Circuit in the State of Illinois.Cason was sworn in to the bench on Feb. 3, 2003, and became one of the youngest sitting judges in the State of Illinois. Judge Cason is a native of East St. Louis, where she gradua
