small-claims court

American  

[smawl-kleymz] / ˈsmɔlˈkleɪmz /

noun

1. a special court established to handle small claims or debts, usually without the services of lawyers.

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small claims court British  

noun

1. a local court with jurisdiction to try civil actions involving small claims

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Etymology

Origin of small-claims court

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

It’s hardly worth it for small-claims court.

From MarketWatch

I could pursue small-claims court or file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau, but that takes time, and I don’t have detailed phone records — though they do have the purchase order, delivery date and technician’s report.

From MarketWatch

If that fails, file a case in small-claims court with the same documentation.

From MarketWatch

A fan suing LeBron James in small-claims court after buying Lakers tickets thinking the NBA icon was retiring drops the case after a sports-betting app intervenes.

From Los Angeles Times

Cochran sued Matthews in small-claims court and won $2,855.

From Los Angeles Times