Its primary purview is civil cases in which the amount in controversy is $3,500 or less.
The small claims court also has jurisdiction over all returns of residential security deposits from landlords, regardless of amount; returns of leased or rented personal property, where the property is worth $3,500 or less and where the rental amount claimed does not exceed $3,500; and suits to recover damages or repossess items stolen from business property, such as shopping carts, shopping baskets, or other similar devices.
The advantage of the small claims process is that it is informal.
However, a disadvantage is that the decision of the judge is final and there is no right to appeal.
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