ABSTRACT
The procedure used to settle small claims is an attempt to fulfil the original aims of the county court, which were to provide cheap and speedy justice. An informal hearing takes place before a District Judge, who is given special training in how to conduct the case, including how to make sure that both parties explain all the important points. Cases used to be heard in private but are now heard in open court. Parties are encouraged to represent themselves to keep costs down. It is possible to be represented by a lawyer, but the cost of this cannot be recovered.
