The small claims session should begin promptly at the scheduled time. Before calling the list, the court should instruct the litigants as to the meaning of court terminology and explain the actions they may be required to take.
Commentary
The time and location of the small claims session should be clearly posted in the courthouse lobby. See Standard 2:00. The proceedings should begin promptly at the scheduled time. The court should understand that beginning the small claims session later than the appointed time may significantly inconvenience litigants who have appeared on time and who may have employment or family obligations to return to. If the court is running behind schedule (or if the court decides to briefly delay the call of the list in order to accommodate tardy litigants) an announcement should be made at the scheduled starting time out of courtesy to those who have arrived on time.
Court personnel should be sensitive to the fact that the calling of the list, though routine to them, may seem incomprehensible to an unrepresented litigant. A simple set of instructions, read loudly, clearly, and slowly by the court before the call of the list should obviate much of the confusion and uncertainty that may arise in the minds of litigants. The extent and contents of these instructions will vary with local practice. The court may wish to utilize the sample instructions provided as Appendix D.
If the court does not intend to hear cases immediately after the call of the list, an announcement should be made to inform litigants as to the amount of time they will have available before they must be present in the courtroom. Small courtesies such as this will be appreciated by litigants who need to tend to parking, make a telephone call, or take care of other personal matters.