What defines a Small Claims Case?

A Small Claims Case is primarily characterized as a minor civil matter that seeks a monetary judgment, typically involving a lower threshold of damages and simplified procedures. These cases are designed for individual claimants to pursue disputes without the necessity for extensive legal knowledge or representation. This approach allows for a more accessible process for resolving smaller disputes, often without the complexities associated with larger civil cases.

In contrast, options discussing damages over a specific amount, criminal cases with minor penalties, and those requiring extensive legal representation do not correctly depict the nature of Small Claims Cases. They instead refer to other legal processes and types of cases that operate under different rules and have vastly different implications and requirements. Thus, the definition focusing on minor civil cases for monetary judgments accurately encapsulates the essence and purpose of Small Claims Courts.