Small claims under a certain dollar amount, which varies by jurisdiction, may be brought in small claims court, a division of most municipal, city or other lowest local courts. Small claims courts can only award a money judgment, not equitable remedies like eviction. In small claims court, attorneys may not represent clients, the filing fee is low, there is no jury, the procedure is fairly informal, each side has a short time to present his/her case. Any appeal must be made in a higher court. Small claims court is a quick, inexpensive way to settle eligible legal disputes.
