Small claims courts are included in each state’s court system and are designed for the resolution of disputes involving a limited dollar amount—and for the parties to the dispute to represent themselves (pro se). Small claims courts are often referred to as the People’s Court, and some states such as California prohibit attorneys from representing parties in small claims court. The limit on the amount of money in dispute (the jurisdictional limit) varies from state to state within a range of $2,500 to $25,000—but is usually between $5,000 and $15,000. The disputes filed in small claims courts are often seeking to recover a debt or involving residential landlord-tenant disputes. Judges in small claims courts in some states are called Justices of the Peace, and the courts are sometimes referred to as JP courts.

In California, small claims courts are designed to resolve disputes involving a limited dollar amount without the need for attorneys. The jurisdictional limit for small claims in California is up to $10,000 for individuals and sole proprietors, but it is lower for corporations and other entities, which are limited to $5,000. Parties in small claims court are generally required to represent themselves (pro se), as attorneys are not allowed to represent parties in these proceedings. This encourages a faster and less formal resolution process. Small claims courts in California handle a variety of cases, including debt recovery and landlord-tenant disputes. The judges preside over the cases and make decisions based on the evidence presented.