Indiana Court System

Question 1

Circuit and Superior Courts

Answer 1

Both largely courts of general jurisdiction

Jurisdictions overlap almost entirely

Question 2

Small Claims Court: Jurisdiction

Answer 2

Value sought = $6,000 or less

Question 3

Small Claims Court: Procedure

Answer 3

(1) P files COMPLAINT
(2) D files APPEARANCE (functions as general denial of P’s claims and preserves all defenses/compulsory counterclaims)

Judge not bound by ordinary procedural statutes or rules, or by the Indiana rules of evidence

Question 4

Small Claims Court: Jury

Answer 4

P waives right to trial by jury

Specific questions of fact may be decided by jury if demand made within 10 days of service of complaint