Small Claims Standards: 5:05 Amendments

The Administrative Office of the Trial Court issues these Standards to assist judges, clerk-magistrates and other personnel of the District Court, Boston Municipal Court, and Housing Court Departments in implementing recently amended Trial Court Rule III, Uniform Small Claims Rules (effective January 1, 2002).

Amendments should be liberally allowed.

Commentary

Amending a Statement of Small Claim and Notice of Trial should be liberally permitted "as justice may require" at any time before judgment, so that claims may be resolved on their merits rather than on technical considerations. Uniform Small Claims Rule 5; G.L. c.231, ss. 51, 71.