Small Claims Standards: 7:02 Remedies

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).

The court has the power to enter money judgments and equitable relief.

Commentary

Although the original action brought must include a claim for money damages, the court may order equitable remedies such as specific performance, instead of, or in addition to, damages. The court has all equity powers and jurisdictions conferred by G.L. c.218, s. 21 and G.L. c. 214, ss. 1, 1A, 2, 3 (1).