Publication: Reforming Justice: Increasing Access through Small Claim Courts
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2024-12-09
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2024-12-09
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Small claims courts and procedures play an important role in enhancing the efficiency and accessibility of the justice system. When well-designed, they can significantly streamline judicial processes, reduce the burden on courts, and increase access to justice for individuals and small businesses. This brief presents trends in the use of such mechanisms. It systematically analyzes key components essential for designing effective small claims systems, including the court structure, the nature of the proceedings (mandatory vs. optional), monetary thresholds for claims, filing processes, fee structures, timelines, and the admissibility of evidence. The brief concludes with recommendations for jurisdictions to assess and refine their small claims systems based on empirical data and user feedback, ensuring they effectively address the barriers to justice faced by litigants.
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“Bosio, Erica; Petkova, Svetozara. 2024. Reforming Justice: Increasing Access through Small Claim Courts. Prosperity Notes Series. © World Bank. http://hdl.handle.net/10986/42513 License: CC BY-NC 3.0 IGO.”
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