Things I Learned

...in small claims court.

As I promised last Friday, here are a few things I learned going to small claims court two weeks ago. In no particular order...

1. Being a small claims court judge must be much like being a teacher. He gave us instructions that some ignored. He explained things clearly, but some still could not answer him. I kind of felt sorry for him.
2. If you find yourself having to take someone to court, document everything. And have all the documentation in a logical order.
3. If serving court papers, make sure to submit proof of having done so at least five days before your court date. 
4. Be on time, but expect a long wait.
5. It is illegal to charge more than 10% interest on a loan. (Not our case. A case prior to ours.) 
6. Cases were heard by quickest to resolve first. (Of course if we could have come to a compromise, we wouldn't have sued...) 
7. When your case is done, leave. (Papers were mailed out after.) 
8. And then don't return, wailing how the defendant "threatened" you out in the hall. (Another case prior to ours.) 
9. The judge can only rule on the specific case brought before him. Leave other matters out of it. 
10. Everyone's an idiot in court. Take a deep breath and try to keep up.