Is it appropriate to use props (posterboards, etc)?

[HighwayMan]

Since this is a village or town justice court it should be a simple matter to call the clerk's office and speak to someone to find out the information you seek.

There shouldn't be any time limit to present your case, although I would understand if one or both of the parties has a difficult time presenting their case succinctly and the judge loses patience and hurries things along.

 

[quincy]

Small claims court judges tend to have a great deal of patience. They know the parties are not attorneys and do not know what is relevant and what isn't.

Where patience tends to wear thin is when the attitude of parties is less than respectful, to each other and to the court in general.

 

[HighwayMan]

Even so, eight seems a large number of appearances for a small claims action. In Michigan, you go to court to file forms with the clerk and do not return to court until the hearing date when the matter is heard. A rather simple process.

Everything in NYC is a burden. The problem is VOLUME. First time on, you walk into a large room and sit down with probably two to three hundred people who are there for small claims. They call each case, petitioner and respondent, to ensure both parties are present. You're then sent to another, smaller room where a clerk explains the benefits of arbitration and compromise. If both parties agree the case is usually adjudicated that day or perhaps it may take one more appearance.

If you desire a trial in front a judge, you're in for a long haul and many appearances (easily 6 to 8).

 

[quincy]

Everything in NYC is a burden. The problem is VOLUME. First time on, you walk into a large room and sit down with probably two to three hundred people who are there for small claims. They call each case, petitioner and respondent, to ensure both parties are present. You're then sent to another, smaller room where a clerk explains the benefits of arbitration and compromise. If both parties agree the case is usually adjudicated that day or perhaps it may take one more appearance.

If you desire a trial in front a judge, you're in for a long haul and many appearances (easily 6 to 8).

Unbelievable. In Michigan, small claims courts are designed for non-attorney litigants and are simple in-out affairs. What you are saying is perhaps why New York small claims courts have such an apparent backlog.

 

[HighwayMan]

What you are saying is perhaps why New York small claims courts have such an apparent backlog.

That and the relatively large population served by each county small claims part.

 

[quincy]

That and the relatively large population served by each county small claims part.

Wayne County courts serve a large population but it appears they operate more efficiently and effectively ... and I really never thought I'd say that about Wayne County courts.

 

[dartondan]

So the time they gave me (for two weeks for now) is 10am, it's the third hearing with half-hour intervals, with others to follow. Reading the replies here, I shouldn't be worried about being cut off provided that I stay on point, so I guess the times are approximate? ... like doctor's appointments? I could see my case running 45-60 minutes with the documents I need to present and discuss, also the fact that there is some background that may need to be explained.

Might it be worthwhile to request a switch to the last time slot of the day (if it isn't too late)?

Also I am open to settling things and working it out with the other party, so is it common for the court to have people to aid/assist beforehand to facilitate an agreement? I have read elsewhere that in some places they try to get you together in a room while you wait to be heard ...

Thanks for your help!

 

[latigo]

So the time they gave me (for two weeks for now) is 10am, it's the third hearing with half-hour intervals, with others to follow. Reading the replies here, I shouldn't be worried about being cut off provided that I stay on point, so I guess the times are approximate? ... like doctor's appointments? I could see my case running 45-60 minutes with the documents I need to present and discuss, also the fact that there is some background that may need to be explained. . . .

Correction: There won't be any "discussions" and you won't be able to indulge in any "background"!

What I see here is evidence of a meticulous nature that if left unchecked is very likely to not only irritate the judge, but everyone in the courtroom! Plus, the more you diverge from the essential elements of your case the more obscure and less significant they become to the beholder.

What you need to have prepared for your reference is a brief outline of what you need to establish evidentiary wise in order to prevail on your theory of the case. Once you've made each point you go on to the next without lingering!

Anyway let us know how it comes out.

 

[quincy]

So the time they gave me (for two weeks for now) is 10am, it's the third hearing with half-hour intervals, with others to follow. Reading the replies here, I shouldn't be worried about being cut off provided that I stay on point, so I guess the times are approximate? ... like doctor's appointments? I could see my case running 45-60 minutes with the documents I need to present and discuss, also the fact that there is some background that may need to be explained.

Might it be worthwhile to request a switch to the last time slot of the day (if it isn't too late)?

Also I am open to settling things and working it out with the other party, so is it common for the court to have people to aid/assist beforehand to facilitate an agreement? I have read elsewhere that in some places they try to get you together in a room while you wait to be heard ...

Thanks for your help!

You should arrive when the court opens and be prepared to present your case when called. Plan to stay all day. Some hearings are very short and some litigants do not show up for their hearings.