Small Claims Courts in Canada: A Socio-Legal Appraisal

The development of informal methods of adjudicating small claims has been one of the most widespread and radical innovations in civil justice in recent years. The proliferation of small claims courts in many countries at a similar moment in history and in a similar form suggests that the issues raised may be better illuminated within a comparative framework. The central problem facing legal systems which have attempted to place justice within reach has been how to facilitate access for individuals by simplifying the process and by discouraging legal representation, while at the same time ensuring that what remains can still be described as a system of justice. This volume compares and contrasts some of the principles which have been applied and some of the solutions which have adopted in eight countries. The dilemmas which alternative options pose for justice are analysed.