What does "small claims" refer to in civil law?

"Small claims" refers to court proceedings specifically designed to resolve minor monetary disputes that typically involve a limited amount of money. This legal process allows individuals to represent themselves without the need for extensive legal representation, making it accessible for everyday citizens to resolve issues such as unpaid debts, property damage, or breach of contract involving smaller sums.

The emphasis in small claims courts is on efficiency and simplicity, as they are meant to provide a quicker and more informal legal avenue for settling disputes. Given that small claims courts handle cases that usually do not exceed a certain dollar limit, they operate under specific rules that differ from more complex legal systems designed for larger disputes or serious criminal offenses.