ORS § 52.700 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.700
52.700 Return on execution
Status: in_force

An execution issued by a justice must be made returnable within 30 days from the date thereof, and may be directed to the sheriff of the county, or any constable or marshal or police officer authorized to act as a constable therein, and must be executed by any one of such officers when delivered to the officer. [Amended by 1991 c.67 §8]

Source: Section 52.700 — Return on execution; to whom directed; duty of officer to execute writ , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.340 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.340
51.340 Monthly report of fines collected
Status: in_force

Justices of the peace in each county shall report to the county treasurer once in each month the amount of all fines collected by them, from whom collected, and what the fine was for, and at the same time pay to the county treasurer in money the full amount of the fines collected. If the justices of the peace have collected no fines, they shall report that fact to the county treasurer.

Source: Section 51.340 — Monthly report of fines collected , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.130 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.130
52.130 Appointment of persons to serve process or order
Status: in_force

Whenever it appears to the justice that any process or order authorized to be issued or made will not be served for want of an officer, the justice may appoint any other person authorized by ORS 52.120 (Persons authorized to serve summons) , to serve it. Such an appointment may be made by an indorsement on the process or order, in substantially the following form and signed by the justice with the name of the office of the justice:

I hereby appoint A B to serve the within process or order.

[Amended by 1977 c.877 §12; 1979 c.284 §85; 1995 c.79 §13]

Source: Section 52.130 — Appointment of persons to serve process or order , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.077 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.077
55.077 Additional time for appearances
Status: in_force

(1) Upon written request, the court may extend to the parties additional time within which to make formal appearances required in the small claims department.

(2) If the defendant fails to pay the claim, demand a hearing or demand a jury trial, upon written request from the plaintiff, the court shall enter a judgment against the defendant for the relief claimed plus the amount of the small claims fee and service expenses paid by the plaintiff.

(3) If the plaintiff fails within the time provided to file a formal complaint pursuant to ORS 55.075 (Time and place of hearing) (3), the court shall:

(a) Dismiss the case without prejudice; and

(b) If the defendant applies therefor in writing to the court not later than 30 days after the expiration of the time provided for the plaintiff to file a formal complaint, refund to the defendant the amount of the jury trial fee paid by the defendant under ORS 55.065 (Admission or denial of claim) (2)(c).

(4) If the defendant appears at the time set for hearing but no appearance is made by the plaintiff, the claim shall be dismissed with prejudice. If neither party appears, the claim shall be dismissed without prejudice.

(5) Upon good cause shown within 60 days, the court may set aside a default judgment or dismissal and reset the claim for hearing. [1989 c.583 §9]

Source: Section 55.077 — Additional time for appearances; default and dismissal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.120 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.120
55.120 Form of appeal
Status: in_force

(1) The appeal from the small claims department may be in the following form:

In the Circuit Court for ______ County, Oregon.

____________

Plaintiff,

vs.

____________

Defendant.

Comes now _____, a resident of _____ County, Oregon, and appeals from the decision of the small claims department of the justice court for ______ District, ______ County, Oregon, wherein a judgment for ______ dollars was awarded against the appellant on the ______ day of ______, 2__.

____________, Appellant.

(2) All appeals shall be filed with the justice of the peace and accompanied by a bond, with satisfactory surety, to secure the payment of the judgment, costs and attorney’s fees, as provided in ORS 55.110 (Conclusiveness of judgment) . The appeal shall be tried in the circuit court without any other pleadings than those required in the justice court originally trying the cause. All papers in the cause shall be certified to the circuit court as is provided by law in other cases of appeals in civil actions in justice courts. The circuit court may require any other or further statements or information it may deem necessary for a proper consideration of the controversy. The appeal shall be tried in the circuit court without a jury. There shall be no appeal from any judgment of the circuit court rendered upon the appeal, but such judgment shall be final and conclusive. [Amended by 1977 c.875 §18; 1985 c.342 §11; 2005 c.22 §38]

Source: Section 55.120 — Form of appeal; bond; proceedings in circuit court; no further appeal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.040 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.040
53.040 Requisites of undertaking for costs and disbursements and stay of proceedings
Status: in_force

The undertaking of the appellant must be given with one or more sureties, to the effect that the appellant will pay all costs and disbursements that may be awarded against the appellant on the appeal. The undertaking does not stay the proceedings unless the undertaking further provides that the appellant will satisfy any judgment that may be given against the appellant in the appellate court on the appeal. The undertaking must be filed with the justice within five days after the notice of appeal is given or filed. The justice may waive, reduce or limit the undertaking upon a showing of good cause, including indigency, and on such terms as shall be just and equitable. The justice or the appellate court may waive a failure to file the undertaking within the time required upon a showing of good cause for that failure. [Amended by 1983 c.673 §12]

Source: Section 53.040 — Requisites of undertaking for costs and disbursements and stay of proceedings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.100 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.100
51.100 Where action may be commenced in civil cases
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in this section, a civil action subject to the jurisdiction of a justice court must be commenced in the county where one of the parties resides.

(2) If a defendant in a civil action subject to the jurisdiction of a justice court does not reside in this state, the action may be commenced in any justice district of this state.

(3) If all parties reside in the same justice district, a civil action may be brought only in the justice court for that justice district.

(4) Motions for change of venue in justice courts are subject to the same laws governing change of venue in circuit court. [Amended by 1999 c.605 §2]

Source: Section 51.100 — Where action may be commenced in civil cases , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.310 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.310
51.310 Schedule of fees
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in ORS 105.130 (How action conducted) , the justice of the peace shall collect, in advance except in criminal cases, and issue receipts for, the following fees:

(a) For the first appearance of the plaintiff, $90.

(b) For the first appearance of the defendant, $90.

(c) In the small claims department, for a plaintiff filing a claim, $37; and for a defendant requesting a hearing, $37.

(d) For transcript of judgment, $9.

(e) For transcript of judgment from the small claims department, $9.

(f) For certified copy of judgment, $9.

(g) For issuing writs of execution or writs of garnishment, $20 for each writ.

(h) For issuing notices of restitution as provided in ORS 105.151 (Enforcement of judgment of restitution) , $10 for each notice.

(i) For filing a motion described in ORS 21.200 (Motion fees generally) in an action not in the small claims department, $30.

(j) For supplying to private parties copies of records and files, the same fees as provided or established for the county clerk under ORS 205.320 (Fees collected by county clerk) .

(k) For each official certificate, $10.

(L) For taking and certifying for a private party an acknowledgment of proof of any instrument, $10.

(m) Costs in criminal cases, where there has been a conviction, or upon forfeiture of security, $5.

(2) Not later than the last day of the month immediately following the month in which fees set forth in subsection (1) of this section are collected, the justice of the peace shall pay all such fees, other than those for performing marriage ceremonies, over to the county treasurer of the county wherein the justice of the peace was elected or appointed, for crediting to the general fund of the county, and shall take the receipt of the treasurer therefor. [Amended by 1965 c.619 §25; 1979 c.447 §2; 1987 c.829 §1; 1989 c.583 §10; 1991 c.458 §2; 1997 c.801 §132; 1999 c.1051 §245; 2003 c.687 §1; 2011 c.595 §52b; 2015 c.623 §§1,2]

Source: Section 51.310 — Schedule of fees; payment of fees to county treasurer , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.610 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.610
52.610 Enforcement of judgment given by other justice
Status: in_force

A justice of the peace has authority and power to enforce a judgment given by the predecessor in office, or by a justice whose docket has been transferred to the justice of the peace, and to complete any unfinished business begun before such predecessor, or entered in such docket, as if the same had been given or begun before the justice of the peace.

Source: Section 52.610 — Enforcement of judgment given by other justice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.035 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.035
51.035 Justice of peace as municipal judge
Status: in_force

Except as provided in ORS 3.136 (Jurisdiction over violations of Portland charter and ordinances) , any city situated wholly or in largest part within the boundaries of a justice of the peace district may enter into an agreement pursuant to ORS 190.010 (Authority of local governments to make intergovernmental agreement) with the county in which the justice of the peace district is located providing that the justice court for the district shall have all judicial jurisdiction, authority, powers, functions and duties of the municipal court of the city and the judges thereof with respect to all or any violations of the charter or ordinances of the city. [1975 c.713 §1]

Source: Section 51.035 — Justice of peace as municipal judge , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.250 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.250
52.250 Attachment of real property prohibited
Status: in_force

Real property or any interest therein cannot be attached upon a writ of attachment in a civil action in a justice court.

Source: Section 52.250 — Attachment of real property prohibited , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.240 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.240
51.240 Qualifications for office
Status: in_force

(1) As a qualification for the office:

(a) A justice of the peace must be a citizen of the United States and a resident of this state.

(b) A justice of the peace must be a resident of or have a principal office in the justice of the peace district in which the justice court is located. For purposes of this paragraph, a “principal office” is the primary location from which a person conducts the person’s business or profession.

(c) A justice of the peace must have maintained the residence within this state required by paragraph (b) of this subsection for at least three years immediately prior to appointment or becoming a candidate for election to the office of justice of the peace.

(d) A justice of the peace must have maintained the residence or principal office required by paragraph (b) of this subsection for at least one year immediately prior to appointment or becoming a candidate for election to the office of justice of the peace.

(e) A justice of the peace must:

(A) Be a member of the Oregon State Bar;

(B) Have completed a course on courts of special jurisdiction offered by the National Judicial College, or complete the course within 12 months after appointment or election to the office of justice of the peace; or

(C) Have completed, or complete within 12 months after appointment or election to the office of justice of the peace, a course that is equivalent to the course described in subparagraph (B) of this paragraph, proposed by the justice of the peace and approved by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

(2) If exigent circumstances prevent a justice of the peace from completing the course required under subsection (1)(e)(B) of this section within 12 months after appointment or election to the office of justice of the peace, the presiding judge of the judicial district in which the justice court is located may grant the justice of the peace one extension of time to complete the course. The extension may not exceed 12 months. The presiding judge may require the justice of the peace to complete additional educational requirements during an extension granted under this subsection.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (1)(e) of this section, a justice of the peace in a justice court that is a court of record under ORS 51.025 (Justice court as court of record) must be a member of the Oregon State Bar. [1991 c.458 §10; 1993 c.493 §88; 2015 c.570 §6]

Source: Section 51.240 — Qualifications for office , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.020 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.020
52.020 Mode of proceeding and rules of evidence
Status: in_force

The mode of proceeding and the rules of evidence are the same in a justice court as in a like action or proceeding in the circuit courts, except where otherwise specially provided.

Source: Section 52.020 — Mode of proceeding and rules of evidence , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.125 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.125
53.125 Judgment or order of appellate court
Status: in_force

The appellate court may give a final judgment in the cause, to be enforced as a judgment of such court; or the appellate court may give such other judgment or order as may be proper, and direct that the cause be remitted to the court below for further proceedings in accordance with the decision of the appellate court. [1959 c.558 §47; 1981 c.178 §4]

Source: Section 53.125 — Judgment or order of appellate court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.025 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.025
51.025 Justice court as court of record
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (7) of this section, any justice court may become a court of record by:

(a) The passage of an ordinance by the governing body of the county in which the court is located; and

(b) The entry of an order by the Supreme Court acknowledging the filing of the declaration required under subsection (2) of this section.

(2) Before a justice court may become a court of record, the governing body of the county in which the court is located must file a declaration with the Supreme Court that includes:

(a) A statement that the justice court satisfies the requirements of this section for becoming a court of record;

(b) The address and telephone number of the clerk of the justice court; and

(c) The date on which the justice court will commence operations as a court of record.

(3) The Supreme Court may not charge a fee for filing a declaration under subsection (2) of this section. Not later than 30 days after a declaration is filed under subsection (2) of this section, the Supreme Court shall enter an order acknowledging the filing of the declaration and give notice of the order of acknowledgment to the county and the public.

(4) The county shall provide a court reporter or an audio recording device for each justice court made a court of record under this section.

(5) The appeal from a judgment entered in a justice court that becomes a court of record under this section shall be as provided in ORS chapters 19 and 138 for appeals from judgments of circuit courts.

(6) As a qualification for the office, the justice of the peace for any justice court that becomes a court of record must be a member of the Oregon State Bar.

(7) A justice court may not become a court of record under the provisions of this section if the court is located within 50 driving miles of the circuit court for the county in which the justice court is located, measured by the shortest distance by public roads between the justice court and the circuit court. [1999 c.682 §1; 2007 c.330 §1]

Note: Section 4, chapter 682, Oregon Laws 1999, provides:

Sec. 4. Sections 1 (3) and 3 (3) of this 1999 Act [ 51.025 (Justice court as court of record) (3) and 221.342 (Method by which municipal court becomes court of record) (3)] do not affect the term of office of any justice of the peace or municipal judge serving on the effective date of an ordinance passed for the purpose of making a justice court or municipal court a court of record. Any justice of the peace or municipal judge elected or appointed after the effective date of the ordinance must, as a qualification for the office, be a member of the Oregon State Bar. [1999 c.682 §4]

Source: Section 51.025 — Justice court as court of record , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.210 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.210
51.210 Each district to elect one justice
Status: in_force

Each justice of the peace district shall elect one justice of the peace, who shall hold office for six years and until a successor is elected and qualified.

Source: Section 51.210 — Each district to elect one justice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.090 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.090
53.090 Transcript to be filed
Status: in_force

Within 30 days next following the allowance of the appeal, the appellant must cause to be filed with the clerk of the appellate court a transcript of the cause. The transcript must contain a copy of all the material entries in the justice docket relating to the cause or the appeal and any transcript or audio record made under ORS 51.105 (Recording and reporting of proceedings) , and must have annexed thereto all the original papers relating to the cause or the appeal and filed with the justice. Upon the filing of the transcript with the clerk of the appellate court, the appeal is perfected. Thenceforth the action shall be deemed pending and for trial therein as if originally commenced in such court, and the court shall have jurisdiction of the cause and shall proceed to hear, determine and try it anew, disregarding any irregularity or imperfection in matters of form which may have occurred in the proceedings in the justice court. If the transcript and papers are not filed with the clerk of the appellate court within the time provided, the appellate court, or the judge thereof, may by order extend the time for filing the same upon such terms as the court or judge may deem just. However, such order shall be made within the time allowed to file the transcript. [Amended by 1985 c.342 §9; 2015 c.623 §9]

Source: Section 53.090 — Transcript to be filed; proceedings on appeal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.180 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.180
52.180 Form of undertaking
Status: in_force

(1) The undertaking may be substantially in the following form:

“I, A B,” or “We, A B and C D, undertake to pay E F, the defendant in this action, all disbursements that may be adjudged to E F in this action.”

(2) The sureties must possess the qualifications of bail upon arrest, and, if required by the defendant, must justify in a sum not less than $50. A deposit with the justice of such sum as the justice may deem sufficient shall be equivalent to giving the required undertaking. If the undertaking or deposit in lieu thereof is not given or made by the time the action is at issue and ready for trial on a question of fact, the justice must dismiss the action as for want of prosecution. [Amended by 1995 c.79 §14]

Source: Section 52.180 — Form of undertaking; qualifications and justification of sureties; deposit in lieu of undertaking , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.245 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.245
51.245 Continuing education
Status: in_force

(1) Each justice of the peace who is not a member of the Oregon State Bar shall attend or participate in a minimum of 30 hours of educational programs every two calendar years. The programs shall be those conducted and supervised or approved by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or designee.

(2) Each justice of the peace who is not a member of the Oregon State Bar shall submit a written annual report of the hours of educational programs referred to in subsection (1) of this section that are attended or participated in by the justice during each calendar year to the Oregon Justices of the Peace Association and shall submit a copy of that report to the governing body of the county in which the justice has been elected or appointed. The report and copy shall be submitted not later than March 1 of the year following the calendar year for which the report is applicable. [1989 c.1005 §1; 1993 c.742 §39]

Source: Section 51.245 — Continuing education , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.050 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.050
54.050 Qualifications of jurors
Status: in_force

A person competent to act as a juror in a justice court, in addition to the qualifications prescribed in ORS 10.030 (Eligibility for jury service) , must be an inhabitant of the district in which the court is being held at the time the person is summoned, and must have been an inhabitant of that district for three months next preceding such time. [Amended by 1983 c.673 §13]

Source: Section 54.050 — Qualifications of jurors , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.130 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.130
53.130 Writ of review in civil cases
Status: in_force

No provision of ORS 53.005 (Application of ORS 53.005 to 53.125) to 53.125 (Judgment or order of appellate court) , in relation to appeals or the right of appeal in civil cases, shall be construed to prevent either party to a judgment given in a justice court from having it reviewed in the circuit court for errors in law appearing upon the face of the judgment or the proceedings connected therewith, as provided in ORS 34.010 (Former writ of certiorari as writ of review) to 34.100 (Power of court on review) .

Source: Section 53.130 — Writ of review in civil cases , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.260 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.260
51.260 Filling vacancy
Status: in_force

(1) If a vacancy occurs in the office of justice of the peace, the Governor immediately shall appoint some person possessing the qualifications for election to that office to fill the vacancy until the next general election and until such appointee’s successor is elected and qualified. The person appointed to fill the vacancy shall qualify in the same manner as a person elected to the office.

(2) In the event of a temporary absence or other incapacity of a justice of the peace, the county court, if it deems it in the public interest, may appoint a sitting justice of the peace from any county justice of the peace district within the State of Oregon, or may appoint a person possessing the qualifications for election as justice of the peace, to serve as justice of the peace pro tempore during the period of absence or incapacity. An appointment under this subsection may not be for a period exceeding one year.

(3) In the event of a temporary absence of a justice of the peace for a period of more than 60 consecutive days, or in the event of inability for a like period to act by reason of illness or other cause, the Governor, if the Governor deems it necessary in the public interest that a person be appointed to fill such temporary vacancy, shall appoint some person possessing the qualifications for election to such office to fill the temporary vacancy.

(4) The person appointed by the county court or Governor pursuant to subsection (2) or (3) of this section immediately shall qualify in the same manner as a person elected to the office, and thereupon shall perform the duties of justice of the peace for the district during the temporary absence or inability. During the temporary tenure, the person shall receive the salary that the absent justice of the peace otherwise would have received during the period. When any such appointee has qualified and entered upon the duties of office, the appointment thereto shall not be revoked or rescinded during the actual trial or hearing of any action or proceeding before the appointee; but the temporary appointment may be terminated at any other time by written notice to that effect given by the appointing authority and filed with the county clerk of the county.

(5) Every justice of the peace is entitled to two weeks paid vacation every year and during such absence the county court may appoint a justice of the peace pro tempore pursuant to the provisions of subsections (2) and (4) of this section. [Amended by 1961 c.724 §26; 1995 c.329 §1; 1995 c.658 §58]

Source: Section 51.260 — Filling vacancy; temporary appointment; appointment during justice’s vacation , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.620 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.620
52.620 Filing transcript of judgment in another county
Status: in_force

The party entitled to the benefit of a judgment in a justice court may at any time have a certified transcript of the judgment and file it with any justice in any other county. Upon the filing of the transcript, the justice with whom it is filed must make an entry thereof in the docket of the justice, giving the title of the cause, the names of the parties and the substance of the judgment. Thereafter execution may issue to enforce the judgment, or any part thereof remaining unsatisfied, as if it had been given by the justice with whom the transcript is filed.

Source: Section 52.620 — Filing transcript of judgment in another county; issuance of execution , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.310 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.310
52.310 Pleadings governed by rules applicable to pleadings in circuit court
Status: in_force

The pleadings in actions in justice courts, the forms thereof and the rules by which the sufficiency of the pleadings are to be determined, shall be those prescribed for civil actions in the circuit courts.

Source: Section 52.310 — Pleadings governed by rules applicable to pleadings in circuit court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.440 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.440
52.440 Accounting for and disposition of trial fee
Status: in_force

In a justice court, the trial fee is paid to the justice. The justice shall keep an account of such fees, and by whom paid, and distribute the amount among the jury in the particular case, in partial payment of their legal fees.

Source: Section 52.440 — Accounting for and disposition of trial fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.090 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.090
51.090 Civil jurisdiction not to extend to certain actions
Status: in_force

The jurisdiction conferred by ORS 51.080 (Civil jurisdiction of justice court) does not extend to:

(1) An action in which the title to real property shall come in question.

(2) An action for false imprisonment, libel, slander or malicious prosecution.

(3) An action brought by an adult in custody as defined in ORS 30.642 (Definitions for ORS 30.642 to 30.650) . [Amended by 1983 c.673 §9; 2003 c.14 §22; 2011 c.262 §5; 2019 c.213 §14]

Source: Section 51.090 — Civil jurisdiction not to extend to certain actions , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.060 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.060
52.060 Persons entitled to act as attorneys in justice court
Status: in_force

Any person may act as attorney for another in a justice court, except a person or officer serving any process in the action or proceeding, other than a subpoena.

Source: Section 52.060 — Persons entitled to act as attorneys in justice court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.670 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.670
52.670 Setoff of mutual judgments
Status: in_force

If upon the hearing of the application the justice finds that the judgments are mutual, the justice shall give judgment allowing the proposed setoff.

Source: Section 52.670 — Setoff of mutual judgments , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.010 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.010
53.010 Appeal from justice courts
Status: in_force

Any party to a judgment in a civil action in a justice court, other than a judgment by confession or for want of an answer, may appeal therefrom when the sum in controversy is not less than $30, or when the action is for the recovery of personal property of the value of not less than $30, exclusive of disbursements in either case, also when the action is for the recovery of the possession of real property under ORS 105.110 (Action for forcible entry or wrongful detainer) . [Amended by 1977 c.365 §4; 1977 c.416 §4]

Source: Section 53.010 — Appeal from justice courts , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.100 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.100
53.100 Amendment of pleadings in appellate court
Status: in_force

The appellate court may, in furtherance of justice and upon such terms as may be just, allow the pleadings in the action to be amended so as not to change substantially the issue tried in the justice court or to introduce any new cause of action or defense.

Source: Section 53.100 — Amendment of pleadings in appellate court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.030 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.030
53.030 Manner of taking appeal
Status: in_force

An appeal is taken by serving, within 30 days after rendition of judgment, a written notice thereof on the adverse party, or the attorney of the adverse party, and filing the original with the proof of service indorsed thereon with the justice, and by giving the undertaking for the costs and disbursements on the appeal, as provided in ORS 53.040 (Requisites of undertaking for costs and disbursements and stay of proceedings) . A written acknowledgment of service by the respondent or the attorney of the respondent, indorsed on the notice of appeal, shall be sufficient proof of service. When the notice of appeal has been served and filed, the appellate court shall have jurisdiction of the cause. [Amended by 1973 c.477 §1]

Source: Section 53.030 — Manner of taking appeal; notice; undertaking for costs and disbursements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.130 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.130
54.130 Names drawn which are not entered on list of panel
Status: in_force

If it appears to the justice that a person whose name is drawn is dead or resides out of the district, the ballot must be destroyed or the name deleted. If it appears to the justice, or the justice has good reason to believe, that a person whose name is drawn is temporarily absent from the district, or is unwell, or so engaged as to be unable to attend at the time and place required without great inconvenience, the ballot or name must be laid aside, without the name being entered on the list drawn, and returned to the box or restored to the list from which selected by means of electronic equipment when the drawing is completed. A person whose name is drawn is deemed able to attend within the meaning of ORS 54.120 (Manner of drawing jury panel) , and the name of the person is deemed to be entered on the list drawn, except as provided in this section. [Amended by 1983 c.673 §18]

Source: Section 54.130 — Names drawn which are not entered on list of panel , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.070 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.070
53.070 Qualification of sureties
Status: in_force

All sureties on an undertaking on appeal must have the qualifications established by ORCP 82. Challenges to the qualifications of sureties may be made as provided by ORCP 82. [Amended by 1997 c.71 §17]

Source: Section 53.070 — Qualification of sureties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.170 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.170
52.170 Security for disbursements
Status: in_force

If the plaintiff is a nonresident of this state, the justice may require the plaintiff to give an undertaking with one or more sureties, or an irrevocable letter of credit issued by an insured institution, as defined in ORS 706.008 (Additional definitions for Bank Act) , for the disbursements of the action before issuing the summons; and if at any time before the commencement of the trial the defendant applies therefor, the justice must require such plaintiff to give the undertaking or irrevocable letter of credit. If the plaintiff is a resident of this state, the justice may, in the discretion of the justice, upon a like application on the part of the defendant, require the plaintiff to give such undertaking or irrevocable letter of credit. However, if the plaintiff is a resident of Oregon and makes the affidavit that the plaintiff is unable to furnish the undertaking or irrevocable letter of credit as required by this section, the giving of such undertaking or irrevocable letter of credit shall be waived. [Amended by 1991 c.331 §14; 1997 c.631 §374]

Source: Section 52.170 — Security for disbursements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.035 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.035
52.035 Dismissal of civil cases for want of prosecution
Status: in_force

The justice of the peace of every justice court shall mail a notice to each of the attorneys of record, or, to the plaintiff where there is no licensed attorney representing the plaintiff, in every pending civil action, suit or proceeding in their respective courts in which no proceedings have been had or papers filed for a period of more than one year. The notice shall state that each such case will be dismissed by the court for want of prosecution 60 days from the date of mailing the notice, unless, on or before the expiration of the 60 days, application, either oral or written, be made to the court and good cause shown why it should be continued as a pending case. If such application is not made or good cause is not shown, the court shall dismiss each such case. Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent the dismissing at any time, for want of prosecution, of any suit, action or proceeding upon motion of any party thereto. [1953 c.360 §1]

Source: Section 52.035 — Dismissal of civil cases for want of prosecution , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.320 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.320
52.320 Counterclaim exceeding jurisdiction
Status: in_force

In all actions instituted in a justice court a defendant shall have the right to plead a counterclaim in excess of the jurisdiction of the court, whereupon the justice of the peace shall, within 10 days following the filing of the answer, file with the clerk of the circuit court for the county in which the justice court is located, a transcript of the cause containing a copy of all the material entries in the justice’s docket, together with all the original papers relating to the cause. Upon the filing of the transcript with the clerk of the circuit court, the justice of the peace shall proceed no further in the cause, but the cause shall thenceforth be considered as transferred to the circuit court and be deemed pending and for trial therein as if originally commenced in the court. The circuit court shall have jurisdiction of the cause and shall proceed to hear, determine and try the same. In the event of the justice’s failure to file the transcript in the circuit court within the time specified, the judge of the circuit court may make an order upon the justice to comply within a specified time with the provisions of this section. The plaintiff in the action shall have 10 days after the filing of the transcript in the circuit court in which to move against or reply to defendant’s answer. All costs incurred in the transfer of the case, including the fee for filing the same in the circuit court, shall be borne by the defendant and must be tendered by the defendant to the justice of the peace at the time of filing with the justice the counterclaim, and the costs may be recovered by the defendant in the event the defendant prevails. On failure of the defendant to pay to the justice of the peace the required fee at the time of filing the counterclaim, or within two days thereafter, the justice of the peace shall disregard the counterclaim of the defendant and proceed to try the cause as though the counterclaim had never been filed. [Amended by 1979 c.284 §86]

Source: Section 52.320 — Counterclaim exceeding jurisdiction; transfer to circuit court; time allowed plaintiff to plead; costs; effect of failure to tender costs , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.150 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.150
54.150 Order for jury selected from jury list
Status: in_force

The names of the six jurors so selected must be inserted in the order to summon a jury, and thereafter the proceedings in the summoning and formation of the jury must be conducted in the manner provided in ORS 54.020 (Jury not selected from jury list) to 54.040 (Insufficient number of jurors) ; but neither party is entitled to a peremptory challenge as to any of the six jurors.

Source: Section 54.150 — Order for jury selected from jury list; manner of summoning and forming jury; challenges , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.640 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.640
52.640 Setoff of judgment
Status: in_force

A party against whom a judgment is given in a justice court may, upon three days’ notice to the adverse party, apply to the justice of the court to have another judgment given in a justice court, between the same parties and against the adverse party, set off against the first mentioned judgment.

Source: Section 52.640 — Setoff of judgment; application and notice , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.110 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.110
51.110 Records and files of a justice court
Status: in_force

The records and files of a justice court are the docket and all papers and process filed in or returned to such court, concerning or belonging to any proceeding authorized to be had or taken therein, or before the justice of the peace who holds such court.

Source: Section 51.110 — Records and files of a justice court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.250 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.250
51.250 Time when term begins
Status: in_force

The term of office of a justice of the peace shall commence on the first Monday in January next following election. Before entering upon the duties of office, the person elected thereto shall qualify by filing with the county clerk of the county wherein the person is elected:

(1) The certificate of election of the person.

(2) An oath of office, by the person subscribed, to the effect that the person will support the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Oregon and will faithfully and honestly perform the duties of the office.

(3) Also an official undertaking, duly approved by the county court or board of county commissioners in the penal sum of $2,500; provided, that the official undertaking of a justice of the peace in any district in which is located the county seat, or any part thereof, shall be in such greater penal sum, not exceeding $10,000, as the court or board shall designate. [Amended by 1987 c.158 §7]

Source: Section 51.250 — Time when term begins; filing certificate of election, oath of office and undertaking , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.105 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.105
51.105 Recording and reporting of proceedings
Status: in_force

(1) In any proceeding conducted in open court in a justice court, any party may arrange for audio recording or reporting of the proceeding by stenographic or other means. The court may not prohibit recording or reporting of the proceeding under this section.

(2) A reporter providing stenographic reporting services under this section must be certified in shorthand reporting under ORS 8.415 (Definitions for ORS 8.415 to 8.455) to 8.455 (Advisory committee, membership) or by a nationally recognized certification program. A party arranging for reporting of the proceeding by stenographic means must provide the court with the name of the reporter and an address and telephone number where the reporter may be contacted.

(3) If all parties to the proceeding and the court agree, the audio recording or stenographic or other reporting of the proceeding arranged under this section may be used by the parties during the proceeding.

(4) If all parties to the proceeding and the court agree, the audio recording or stenographic or other reporting of the proceeding arranged under this section is the official record of the proceeding.

(5) Unless other parties agree to pay all or part of the cost of the audio recording or stenographic or other reporting of the proceeding, the party arranging for the recording or reporting must pay all costs of the recording or reporting. [2015 c.623 §8]

Source: Section 51.105 — Recording and reporting of proceedings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.680 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.680
52.680 Setoff of judgments in different amounts
Status: in_force

If there is any difference in the amount of the two judgments, judgment for the difference must be given in favor of the party owning the larger judgment. If the justice refuses to allow the setoff, the justice shall so certify on the transcript and return it to the party.

Source: Section 52.680 — Setoff of judgments in different amounts; disallowance of setoff , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.510 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.510
52.510 Postponement of trial
Status: in_force

When a cause is at issue upon a question of fact, the justice must, upon sufficient cause shown on the application of either party, postpone the trial for a period not exceeding 60 days.

Source: Section 52.510 — Postponement of trial , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.420 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.420
52.420 Trial fee payable in advance
Status: in_force

(1) The trial fee in a justice court shall be paid to the justice upon the demand for a jury, and unless so paid the demand shall be disregarded and the trial proceed as if no demand had been made.

(2) If the party paying the fee prevails in the action or proceeding so as to be entitled to recover costs therein, the fee shall be allowed and taxed as a disbursement and collected from the adverse party. [Amended by 2005 c.22 §35]

Source: Section 52.420 — Trial fee payable in advance; effect of failure to pay; recovery of fee as disbursement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.160 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.160
54.160 Punishment of jurors
Status: in_force

A person duly summoned to attend a justice court as a juror may be punished by the justice of the peace as provided for contempt of court if:

(1) The person fails to attend the justice court as required or fails to give a valid excuse for not attending;

(2) The person fails to give attention to matters before the jury;

(3) The person leaves the court without permission while the court is in session; or

(4) The person without valid excuse otherwise fails to complete required jury service. [Amended by 1999 c.605 §5]

Source: Section 54.160 — Punishment of jurors , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.410 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.410
52.410 Trial fee
Status: in_force

(1) Parties to judicial proceedings in justice courts are required to contribute toward the expense of maintaining justice courts, or a particular action or proceeding therein, by the payment of a trial fee, except that a trial fee may not be required for a hearing or trial in the small claims department of a justice court.

(2) The trial fee in a justice court for a trial by jury is $125 for each full or partial day of trial, payable by the party demanding the jury trial at the time the demand is made.

(3) The trial fee in a justice court for a trial without a jury is $75 for each full or partial day of trial, payable by the plaintiff when the action or proceeding is set for trial.

(4) If a trial continues beyond the number of days originally paid for under subsection (2) or (3) of this section, the fee for subsequent days of trial must be paid in advance of each day the trial continues by the party responsible for the fee under subsection (2) or (3) of this section. [Amended by 1979 c.447 §3; 1997 c.801 §133; 2015 c.623 §4]

Source: Section 52.410 — Trial fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.080 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.080
53.080 Enforcement of judgment notwithstanding appeal and undertaking for stay of proceedings
Status: in_force

When a judgment has been given for money in an action upon a contract to pay money, notwithstanding an appeal and undertaking for the stay of proceedings, the respondent may enforce the judgment, if within five days from the allowance of the appeal the respondent files with the justice an undertaking, with one or more sureties, to the effect that if the judgment is changed or modified on the appeal the respondent will make such restitution as the appellate court may direct. This undertaking must be taken by the justice on not less than two days’ notice to the other party.

Source: Section 53.080 — Enforcement of judgment notwithstanding appeal and undertaking for stay of proceedings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.060 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.060
54.060 Making of jury lists
Status: in_force

(1) The justice of the peace in each district shall, in January of each year, or in case of an omission or neglect so to do then as soon as possible thereafter, make a jury list for the district.

(2) A preliminary jury list shall be made by selecting names of inhabitants of the district by lot from the latest jury list sources. The jury list sources are the elector registration list for the district, copies of the Department of Transportation records for the county referred to in ORS 802.260 (Driver license and identification card records) (2) furnished to the justice at county expense by the clerk of court, as defined in ORS 10.010 (Definitions) , for the county and any other source that the justice determines will furnish a fair cross section of the inhabitants of the district.

(3) Jury list sources may not contain and the justice of the peace is not required to obtain information about individuals who are participants in the Address Confidentiality Program under ORS 192.820 (Definitions for ORS 192.820 to 192.868) to 192.868 (Grants, donations and gifts) .

(4) From the preliminary jury list the names of those persons known not to be qualified by law to serve as jurors shall be deleted. The remaining names shall constitute the jury list. The preliminary jury list and jury list may be made by means of electronic equipment. [Amended by 1983 c.673 §14; 1987 c.681 §4; 2007 c.542 §15]

Source: Section 54.060 — Making of jury lists , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.140 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.140
51.140 Office, courtroom and clerical assistance
Status: in_force

The county court or board of county commissioners of the county in which the justice of the peace has been elected or appointed:

(1) May provide for the office of the justice of the peace the office and courtroom and clerical assistance necessary to enable the justice of the peace to effectuate the prompt, efficient and dignified administration of justice.

(2) Shall provide for the office of the justice of the peace:

(a) The books, records, forms, papers, stationery, postage and office equipment and supplies necessary in the proper keeping of the records and files of the judicial office and the transaction of the business thereof.

(b) The latest edition of the Oregon Revised Statutes and all official materials published from time to time to supplement such edition. [Amended by 1955 c.448 §1; 1957 c.180 §1]

Source: Section 51.140 — Office, courtroom and clerical assistance; books, office equipment and supplies , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.430 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.430
52.430 State or county exempted from prepaying trial fee
Status: in_force

When the state or any county is a party to a judicial proceeding in a justice court, the state or county need not pay the trial fee upon demanding a jury, and if the state or county is entitled to recover costs therein, the trial fee shall be allowed and taxed in the state’s or county’s favor as a disbursement, and collected from the adverse party as in ordinary cases. [Amended by 2005 c.22 §36]

Source: Section 52.430 — State or county exempted from prepaying trial fee; recovery of trial fee , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.230 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.230
51.230 At what election justice to be elected
Status: in_force

The election at which a justice of the peace shall be elected shall be the general election or, if applicable, the election specified in ORS 249.088 (Nomination or election of candidate at nominating election) next preceding the expiration of the term of the incumbent of the office. [Amended by 1991 c.719 §3]

Source: Section 51.230 — At what election justice to be elected , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.095 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.095
55.095 Counterclaim
Status: in_force

(1) The defendant in an action in the small claims department may assert as a counterclaim any claim that, on the date of issuance of notice pursuant to ORS 55.045 (Notice of claim) , the defendant may have against the plaintiff and that arises out of the same transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the claim filed by the plaintiff.

(2) If the amount of the counterclaim asserted by the defendant exceeds $10,000, the justice of the peace shall strike the counterclaim and proceed to hear and dispose of the case as though the counterclaim had not been asserted unless the defendant files with the counterclaim a motion requesting that the case be transferred from the small claims department to a court of appropriate jurisdiction and an amount to pay the costs of the transfer. After the transfer the plaintiff’s claim will not be limited to the amount stated in the claim filed with the justice of the peace, though it must involve the same controversy.

(3) Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a) If the amount or value of the counterclaim exceeds the jurisdictional limit of the justice court for a counterclaim and the defendant files a motion requesting transfer and an amount to pay the costs of transfer as provided in subsection (2) of this section, the case shall be transferred to the circuit court for the county in which the justice court is located and be governed as provided in ORS 52.320 (Counterclaim exceeding jurisdiction) for transfers to the circuit court. The justice court shall notify the plaintiff and defendant, by mail within 10 days following the order of transfer, of the transfer. The notice to the plaintiff shall contain a copy of the counterclaim and shall inform the plaintiff as to further pleading by the plaintiff in the court of appropriate jurisdiction.

(b) Upon filing the motion requesting transfer, the defendant shall pay to the court of appropriate jurisdiction an amount equal to the difference between the fee paid by the defendant as required by ORS 51.310 (Schedule of fees) (1)(c) and the appearance fee for a defendant in the court of appropriate jurisdiction. [1977 c.875 §22; 1981 s.s. c.3 §96; 1983 c.673 §8; 1985 c.367 §4; 1987 c.725 §4; 1987 c.829 §3; 1989 c.583 §7; 1995 c.658 §65; 1997 c.801 §109; 1999 c.84 §6; 2007 c.125 §6; 2011 c.595 §53a]

Source: Section 55.095 — Counterclaim; procedure; fee; transfer of jurisdiction , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.600 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.600
52.600 Enforcement of justice court judgments generally
Status: in_force

(1) Upon the docketing of a judgment by a justice court, the judgment may be enforced by the justice court in the manner provided in this section.

(2) Enforcement proceedings on a judgment docketed by a justice court may include:

(a) Writ of execution proceedings for personal property under ORS 18.252 (Execution) to 18.993 (Effect of ORS 18.860 to 18.993 on court’s ability to direct seizure) .

(b) Proceedings in support of execution under ORS 18.265 (Debtor examination) , 18.268 (Conduct of debtor examination) and 18.270 (Written interrogatories) .

(c) Garnishment proceedings under ORS 18.600 (Definitions) to 18.850 (Challenge to garnishment form) .

(3) In addition to the enforcement proceedings specified in subsection (2) of this section, a docketed justice court judgment may be enforced by the court that rendered the judgment through the issuance of a writ of execution on real property under ORS 18.252 (Execution) to 18.993 (Effect of ORS 18.860 to 18.993 on court’s ability to direct seizure) . A writ of execution on real property may be issued by a justice court only after the judgment has been transcribed or recorded in the manner provided by ORS 52.635 (Liens based on justice court judgment) .

(4) ORS 18.038 (Form of judgment document generally) , 18.042 (Judgment in civil action that includes money award) , 18.048 (Judgment in criminal action that contains money award) and 137.071 (Requirements for judgment documents) apply to judgments rendered in justice courts.

(5) Except as provided in subsection (6) of this section, the provisions of this section apply to all judgments docketed by justice courts, including judgments imposed in violation proceedings and other criminal proceedings.

(6) The provisions of this section and ORS 52.635 (Liens based on justice court judgment) do not apply to proceedings for enforcement of ordinances governing the parking of vehicles. Ordinances governing the parking of vehicles shall be enforced as provided by other law. [1999 c.788 §2; 2001 c.249 §74; 2003 c.576 §95]

Source: Section 52.600 — Enforcement of justice court judgments generally , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.300 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.300
51.300 Temporary service by circuit court judge or other justice of the peace
Status: in_force

A judge of the circuit court for a county, or any justice of the peace for a justice court district located within the county, may exercise the powers and duties of justice of the peace of any justice court in the county:

(1) At the request of the justice of the peace of the justice court;

(2) In the event of a vacancy in the office of the justice of the peace, until the vacancy is filled as provided by law; or

(3) In the event of the absence, incapacity or disqualification of the justice of the peace, during the period of such absence, incapacity or disqualification. [1965 c.377 §2; 1979 c.69 §1; 1999 c.605 §3]

Source: Section 51.300 — Temporary service by circuit court judge or other justice of the peace , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.110 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.110
52.110 Service
Status: in_force

(1) At any time after the action is commenced by the filing of a complaint with the justice of the peace, the plaintiff may cause a summons to be served on the defendant. It shall be subscribed by the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney or the justice of the peace. It shall specify the name of the court in which the complaint is filed and shall contain the title of the cause specifying the names of the parties to the action, plaintiff and defendant. It shall be directed to the defendant and shall require the defendant to appear and defend within the time required by ORCP 7 C(2) or, in case of failure to so appear and defend, the plaintiff will take judgment against the defendant for the money, property or other relief demanded in the complaint, with costs and disbursements of the action.

(2) A summons shall contain a notice printed in type size equal to at least 8-point type which may be substantially in the following form:

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT:

CAREFULLY!

You must “appear” in this case or the other side will win automatically. To “appear” you must file with the court a legal paper called a “motion” or “answer.” The “motion” or “answer” must be given to the justice of the peace within 30 days along with the required filing fee. It must be in proper form and have proof of service on the plaintiff’s attorney or, if the plaintiff does not have an attorney, proof of service on the plaintiff.

If you have questions, you should see an attorney immediately.

[Amended by 1983 c.673 §10]

Source: Section 52.110 — Service; form, contents and requisites of summons , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.120 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.120
53.120 Insufficiency of undertaking as ground for dismissal of appeal
Status: in_force

An appeal cannot be dismissed on the motion of the respondent on account of the undertaking therefor being defective, if the appellant before the determination of the motion to dismiss will execute a sufficient undertaking and file it in the appellate court, upon such terms as may be deemed just.

Source: Section 53.120 — Insufficiency of undertaking as ground for dismissal of appeal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.140 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.140
55.140 Separate docket for small claims department
Status: in_force

Each justice of the peace shall keep a separate docket for the small claims department of the court of the justice of the peace, in which the justice of the peace shall make a permanent record of all proceedings, orders and judgments had and made in the small claims department.

Source: Section 55.140 — Separate docket for small claims department , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.080 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.080
51.080 Civil jurisdiction of justice court
Status: in_force

(1) A justice court has jurisdiction, but not exclusive, of the following actions:

(a) For the recovery of money or damages only, when the amount claimed does not exceed $10,000.

(b) For the recovery of specific personal property, when the value of the property claimed and the damages for the detention do not exceed $10,000.

(c) For the recovery of any penalty or forfeiture, whether given by statute or arising out of contract, not exceeding $10,000.

(d) To give judgment without action, upon the confession of the defendant for any of the causes specified in this section, except for a penalty or forfeiture imposed by statute.

(2) For purposes of this section, the amount claimed, value of property, damages or any amount in controversy does not include any amount claimed as costs and disbursements or attorney fees as defined by ORCP 68 A. [Amended by 1973 c.625 §2; 1979 c.447 §1; 1983 c.149 §2; 1989 c.839 §34; 1993 c.735 §10; 1997 c.801 §107; 1999 c.84 §4; 2007 c.71 §13; 2007 c.125 §4; 2011 c.595 §52a]

Source: Section 51.080 — Civil jurisdiction of justice court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.030 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.030
55.030 Contents of claim
Status: in_force

The claim shall contain the name and address of the plaintiff and of the defendant, followed by a plain and simple statement of the claim, including the amount and date the claim allegedly accrued. The claim shall include an affidavit signed by the plaintiff or a declaration under penalty of perjury as described in ORCP 1 E, attesting to or declaring the accuracy of the statements in the claim and stating that the plaintiff made a bona fide effort to collect the claim from the defendant before filing the claim with the justice court. [Amended by 1977 c.875 §11; 1989 c.583 §3; 2021 c.411 §3]

Source: Section 55.030 — Contents of claim , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.030 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.030
52.030 Court rules and procedures
Status: in_force

The rules in justice courts governing mistakes in pleadings and amendments thereof, vacating defaults and judgments for mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect, the formation of issues of both law and fact, the postponing of trials for cause shown, the mode of trial, the formation of the jury, the conduct and manner of trial by jury or by the justice without a jury, the procedure regarding the verdict and judgment and the enforcement thereof by execution shall be as prescribed for civil actions in the circuit courts, except as otherwise provided.

Source: Section 52.030 — Court rules and procedures , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.100 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.100
54.100 Drawing jury list
Status: in_force

Unless juries are drawn and selected from the jury list of the district by means of electronic equipment, the justice of the peace shall keep in the office of the justice a jury box. After the jury list is filed, the justice shall destroy all ballots remaining in the box and shall prepare and deposit in such box separate ballots, containing the name and place of residence of each person named in the list, and folded as nearly alike as practicable so that the name cannot be seen. [Amended by 1983 c.673 §16]

Source: Section 54.100 — Drawing jury list; jury box; depositing ballots , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.110 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.110
55.110 Conclusiveness of judgment
Status: in_force

The judgment of the court shall be conclusive upon the plaintiff in respect to the claim filed by the plaintiff and upon the defendant in respect to a counterclaim asserted by the defendant. The defendant may appeal if dissatisfied in respect to the claim filed by the plaintiff. The plaintiff may appeal if dissatisfied in respect to a counterclaim asserted by the defendant. A party entitled to appeal may, within 10 days after the entry of the judgment against the party, appeal to the circuit court for the county in which the justice court is located. If final judgment is rendered against the party appealing in the appellate court, that party shall pay, in addition to the judgment, an attorney’s fee to the other party in the sum of $10. Appeals from the small claims department shall only be allowed in cases in which appeals would be allowed if the action were instituted and the judgment rendered in the justice courts, as is provided by law. [Amended by 1977 c.875 §17; 1985 c.342 §10; 1995 c.658 §66]

Source: Section 55.110 — Conclusiveness of judgment; appeal; costs and fees on appeal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.710 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.710
52.710 Renewal of execution
Status: in_force

At any time before the expiration of the return day of the execution, it may be renewed for another period of 30 days, at the request of the plaintiff, by an indorsement to that effect made thereon by the justice. The indorsement must be dated and, if any part of the execution has been satisfied, must state the amount then due thereon. An entry of the renewal must also be made in the docket of the justice.

Source: Section 52.710 — Renewal of execution; indorsement and entry of renewal , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.050 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.050
53.050 Stay of proceedings without undertaking
Status: in_force

If the judgment appealed from is in favor of the appellant, the proceedings thereon are stayed by the notice of appeal and the undertaking for the costs of the appeal.

Source: Section 53.050 — Stay of proceedings without undertaking , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.520 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.520
52.520 Depositions of witnesses as condition to postponement
Status: in_force

An application for the postponement of the trial shall not be granted unless the party applying therefor, if required by the adverse party, consents to take the deposition of any witness of the adverse party then in attendance upon the court. If the consent is given, the justice shall take the deposition, and it may be read on the trial, subject to the same objection as if the witness were present and gave the testimony orally.

Source: Section 52.520 — Depositions of witnesses as condition to postponement , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.080 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.080
55.080 Formal pleadings unnecessary
Status: in_force

No formal pleading, other than the claim and notice, shall be necessary. The hearing and disposition of all actions shall be informal, the sole object being to dispense justice between the litigants promptly. No attachment, garnishment or execution shall issue from the small claims department on any claim except as provided in this chapter. A prevailing party’s costs in securing and service of such execution shall be taxed against the other party and recoverable as part of the judgment. [Amended by 1971 c.179 §1; 1977 c.875 §15]

Source: Section 55.080 — Formal pleadings unnecessary; issuance of attachment, garnishment or execution; costs of execution taxable , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.070 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.070
54.070 Number of names on list
Status: in_force

The jury list shall:

(1) Contain the names of at least 50 persons, if there are that number of persons in the district who are qualified as provided in ORS 54.050 (Qualifications of jurors) .

(2) Contain the first name, the surname and the place of residence of each person named therein.

(3) Be certified by the justice of the peace and placed on file in the office of the justice. [Amended by 1975 c.233 §1; 1983 c.673 §15]

Source: Section 54.070 — Number of names on list; certifying and filing list , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.045 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.045
55.045 Notice of claim
Status: in_force

(1) Upon the filing of a claim, the court shall issue a notice in the form prescribed by the court.

(2) The notice shall be directed to the defendant, naming the defendant, and shall contain a copy of the claim.

(3) If the amount or value claimed is $50 or more, the notice and claim shall be served upon the defendant in the manner provided for the service of summons and complaint in proceedings in the circuit courts.

(4) If the amount or value claimed is less than $50, the notice and claim shall be served upon the defendant either in the manner provided for the service of summons and complaint in proceedings in the circuit courts or by certified mail, at the option of the plaintiff. If service by certified mail is attempted, the court shall mail the notice and claim by certified mail addressed to the defendant at the last-known mailing address of the defendant within the territorial jurisdiction of the court. The envelope shall be marked with the words “Deliver to Addressee Only” and “Return Receipt Requested.” The date of delivery appearing on the return receipt shall be prima facie evidence of the date on which the notice and claim was served upon the defendant. If service by certified mail is not successfully accomplished, the notice and claim shall be served in the manner provided for the service of summons and complaint in proceedings in the circuit courts.

(5) The notice shall include a statement in substantially the following form:

NOTICE TO DEFENDANT:

READ THESE PAPERS CAREFULLY!

Within 14 DAYS after receiving this notice you MUST do ONE of the following things:

Pay the claim plus fees and service expenses paid by plaintiff OR

Demand a hearing OR

Demand a jury trial

If you fail to do one of the above things within 14 DAYS after receiving this notice, then upon written request from the plaintiff, the court will enter a judgment against you for the amount claimed plus fees and service expenses paid by the plaintiff.

If you have questions about this notice, you should contact the court immediately.

[1989 c.583 §5]

Source: Section 55.045 — Notice of claim; content; service , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.210 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.210
52.210 Plaintiff entitled to attachment as in circuit court
Status: in_force

In a civil action in a justice court the plaintiff is entitled to the benefit of the provisional remedies of attachment and delivery of personal property claimed in the action, as in like cases in the circuit courts. All affidavits, orders and undertakings for these remedies are to be taken or made and filed with the justice, and the process is to be issued by and made returnable before the justice. A writ of attachment or an order for the delivery of personal property claimed in the action may be served and executed by any person authorized to serve a summons. [Amended by 1981 c.898 §41]

Source: Section 52.210 — Plaintiff entitled to attachment as in circuit court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.020 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.020
51.020 Justice of the peace districts
Status: in_force

(1) The county court or board of county commissioners of every county may set off and establish, or modify the boundaries of, justice of the peace districts within the county. No more than six justice of the peace districts shall be set off or established or permitted to remain in existence within any county. Except in the counties of Baker, Crook, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Morrow, Sherman, Tillamook and Wheeler, a justice of the peace district may not include any portion of the city that is the county seat for the county or any portion of a city in which a circuit court regularly holds court. In the counties of Baker, Gilliam, Grant, Harney, Morrow, Sherman, Tillamook and Wheeler, a justice of the peace district in existence on January 15, 1998, may include any portion of the city that is the county seat for the county, or any portion of a city in which a circuit court regularly holds court, until such time as the justice court ceases to provide judicial services within the county seat or city. If the justice court ceases to provide judicial services within the county seat or city, the district that includes portions of the county seat or city shall cease to exist and may not thereafter be reestablished.

(2) At the time that the county court or board of county commissioners of a county sets off and establishes the boundaries of a justice of the peace district, the county court or board of county commissioners may require as a qualification for the office that a person serving as justice of the peace in the district be a member of the Oregon State Bar.

(3) The prohibition of subsection (1) of this section on a justice of the peace district that includes any portion of the city that is the county seat for the county, or any portion of a city in which a circuit court regularly holds court, does not prevent a justice of the peace from conducting an arraignment for a person in custody in the city that is the county seat for the county, or in a city in which a circuit court regularly holds court, if the accusatory instrument for the offense was filed in the justice court and the offense was committed within the boundaries of the justice of the peace district. [Amended by 1965 c.568 §5; 1995 c.658 §53; 1997 c.801 §105; 1999 c.449 §1; 2011 c.420 §1; 2019 c.426 §2]

Source: Section 51.020 — Justice of the peace districts; establishing and modifying boundaries; maximum number of districts , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.020 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.020
54.020 Jury not selected from jury list
Status: in_force

When a jury has been demanded by a party to an action in the justice court, and neither party requires that the jury be drawn from the jury list, the justice must make an order in writing, directed to the sheriff of the county, or to any constable of the district or to any marshal or police officer authorized to act as constable therein, commanding the sheriff, constable, marshal or police officer to summon six persons to serve as jurors in the action between the parties, naming the parties, at a time and place to be named in the order. The order shall require the jurors to appear before the justice forthwith, or at some future time to which the trial of the issue may be postponed. [Amended by 1991 c.67 §9]

Source: Section 54.020 — Jury not selected from jury list , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.010 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.010
54.010 Trial jury defined
Status: in_force

A trial jury is a body of persons, six in number in the justice courts, sworn to try and determine a question of fact and drawn according to the mode provided for in this chapter.

Source: Section 54.010 — Trial jury defined , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.037 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.037
51.037 Agreement between city and county for provision of judicial services
Status: in_force

Any city may enter into an agreement pursuant to ORS 190.010 (Authority of local governments to make intergovernmental agreement) with the county in which a justice of the peace district is located for the provision of judicial services. A justice of the peace providing services to a city pursuant to such an agreement shall have all judicial jurisdiction, authority, powers, functions and duties of the municipal court of the city and the judges thereof with respect to all and any violations of the charter or ordinances of the city. Unless the agreement provides otherwise, and subject to the provisions of ORS 153.640 (Disposition of fines for traffic offenses) to 153.680 (Costs) , all fines, costs and forfeited security deposits collected shall be paid to the prosecuting city, and the city shall reimburse the county providing judicial services for expenses incurred under the agreement. The exercise of jurisdiction under such an agreement by a justice of the peace shall not constitute the holding of more than one office. [1989 c.679 §2; 1999 c.1051 §243; 2011 c.597 §120]

Source: Section 51.037 — Agreement between city and county for provision of judicial services , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.020 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.020
53.020 Court to which appeal lies
Status: in_force

An appeal is taken to the circuit court for the county wherein the judgment is given. The party appealing is known as the appellant and the adverse party as the respondent, but the title of the action is not thereby changed. [Amended by 1985 c.342 §8; 1995 c.658 §64]

Source: Section 53.020 — Court to which appeal lies; designation of parties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.055 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.055
55.055 Explanation to plaintiff of how notice may be served
Status: in_force

The justice of the peace shall provide to each plaintiff who files a claim with the small claims department of the court of the justice of the peace a written explanation of how notice may be served in actions in the department. [1977 c.875 §21]

Source: Section 55.055 — Explanation to plaintiff of how notice may be served , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.590 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.590
52.590 Judgment may not determine or affect title to real property
Status: in_force

Although the title to real property may be controverted or questioned in an action in a justice court, the judgment in the action shall in no way affect or determine the title as between the parties, or otherwise.

ENFORCEMENT AND SETOFF OF JUDGMENTS; EXECUTIONS

Source: Section 52.590 — Judgment may not determine or affect title to real property , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.120 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.120
52.120 Persons authorized to serve summons
Status: in_force

(1) The summons in an action in a justice court shall be served by a person authorized to serve summons, who shall be compensated for service of the summons, as provided for the service of summons in civil action in a circuit court.

(2) The summons shall be served in the manner provided for the service of summons in a civil action in a circuit court. The summons shall be returned to the justice by whom it was issued by the person serving it, with proof of service or that the defendant cannot be found. [Amended by 1953 c.749 §4; 1973 c.827 §10; 1977 c.877 §11; 1979 c.284 §84]

Source: Section 52.120 — Persons authorized to serve summons; compensation; manner of service , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.580 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.580
52.580 Judgment
Status: in_force

When an issue of fact is tried by the justice, it is not necessary that there be any special statement of the facts found or law determined on the trial. It is sufficient for the justice to give judgment generally, as the law and evidence may require, for the plaintiff or the defendant, stating therein for what amount or what relief or to what effect the same is given.

Source: Section 52.580 — Judgment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.040 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.040
54.040 Insufficient number of jurors
Status: in_force

If a sufficient number of jurors does not appear at the time and place required, or if any of those appearing are peremptorily challenged, or upon a challenge for cause are found disqualified, the justice must order the proper officer to summon a sufficient number of other qualified persons until the jury is complete. Each party is entitled to three peremptory challenges, and no more.

Source: Section 54.040 — Insufficient number of jurors; summoning others; challenges , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.120 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.120
54.120 Manner of drawing jury panel
Status: in_force

When a jury is to be selected from the jury list of the district, the justice shall draw from the box in the presence of the parties, or select by means of electronic equipment, 12 ballots or names, or any greater number, if necessary, until the names of 12 persons, who are deemed able to attend at the time and place required, are obtained. The justice must make and sign a list of the 12 names thus drawn. [Amended by 1983 c.673 §17]

Source: Section 54.120 — Manner of drawing jury panel; making and signing list of names for panel , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.140 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.140
54.140 Selection of jury by striking names from the panel
Status: in_force

When the drawing is completed, from the 12 names drawn the parties must select a jury by each striking from the list three names, alternately, commencing with the defendant. The remaining six must be summoned as jurors in the action.

Source: Section 54.140 — Selection of jury by striking names from the panel , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.550 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.550
52.550 When change of venue deemed complete
Status: in_force

Upon the filing of the transcript and papers with the justice to whom the cause has been transferred, the change of venue shall be deemed complete, and thereafter the action shall proceed as though it had been commenced before such justice.

Source: Section 52.550 — When change of venue deemed complete , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.075 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.075
55.075 Time and place of hearing
Status: in_force

(1) If the defendant demands a hearing in the small claims department of the court, the court shall fix a day and time for the hearing and shall mail to the parties a notice of the hearing time in the form prescribed by the court, instructing them to bring witnesses, documents and other evidence pertinent to the controversy.

(2) If the defendant asserts a counterclaim, the notice of the hearing time shall contain a copy of the counterclaim.

(3) If the defendant claims the right to a jury trial, the court shall notify the plaintiff to file a formal complaint within 20 days following the mailing of such notice. The notice shall instruct the plaintiff to serve a summons and copy of the complaint by mail on the defendant at the designated address of the defendant. Proof of service of the summons and complaint copy may be made by certificate of the plaintiff or plaintiff’s attorney attached to the complaint prior to its filing. The plaintiff’s claim in such formal complaint is not limited to the amount stated in the claim filed in the small claims department but it must involve the same controversy. The defendant shall have 10 days in which to move, plead or otherwise appear following the day on which the summons and copy of the complaint would be delivered to the defendant in due course of mail. Thereafter, the cause shall proceed as other causes in the justice court, and costs and disbursements shall be allowed and taxed and fees not previously paid shall be charged and collected as provided in ORS 51.310 (Schedule of fees) and 52.410 (Trial fee) for other cases tried in justice court, except that the appearance fee for plaintiff shall be an amount equal to the difference between the fee paid by the plaintiff as required by ORS 51.310 (Schedule of fees) (1)(c) and the fee required of a plaintiff by ORS 51.310 (Schedule of fees) (1)(a). [1989 c.583 §8]

Source: Section 55.075 — Time and place of hearing; procedure if right to jury trial asserted; fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.040 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.040
55.040 Verification and prosecution of claim
Status: in_force

All claims shall be verified by the real party in interest, the agent or assignee of the party. Any claim may be filed and prosecuted in the small claims department by such agent or the assignee of the cause of action upon which recovery is sought.

Source: Section 55.040 — Verification and prosecution of claim , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.010 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.010
51.010 Justice court defined
Status: in_force

A justice court is a court held by a justice of the peace within the justice of the peace district for which the justice of the peace may be chosen. There are no particular terms of such court, but the same is always open for the transaction of business, according to the mode of proceeding prescribed for it.

Source: Section 51.010 — Justice court defined; no terms of court; court always open for business , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.030 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.030
54.030 Service and return of order
Status: in_force

The officer serving the order for a jury must do so impartially by selecting only such persons as the officer knows, or has good reason to believe, are qualified according to law to serve as jurors in the court to which they are summoned and in the particular action for which they are selected. The officer must serve the order, by giving notice to each person selected of the time and place the person is required to appear and for what purpose, and return the same, according to the direction therein, with the names of the persons summoned, verified by the certificate of the officer.

Source: Section 54.030 — Service and return of order; persons to be summoned , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.650 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.650
52.650 Right of appeal precludes setoff
Status: in_force

A judgment proposed as a setoff under ORS 52.640 (Setoff of judgment) must be final and no longer subject to appeal. If the judgment was given in another court than the one where the application is made, the party proposing the setoff must produce the transcript of the judgment, certified by the proper justice, which certificate shall also state how much of the judgment remains unsatisfied and that the transcript is given for the purpose of being a setoff against the judgment to which it is proposed as a setoff. [Amended by 2003 c.14 §23]

Source: Section 52.650 — Right of appeal precludes setoff; procedure to set off judgment of another court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.570 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.570
52.570 Right to jury trial
Status: in_force

When a cause is at issue upon a question of fact, if either party then demands a jury trial and deposits with the justice such trial fee as is required to be paid in advance by ORS 52.420 (Trial fee payable in advance) and 52.430 (State or county exempted from prepaying trial fee) , the issue must be tried by a jury and not the justice; but otherwise it must be tried by the justice.

Source: Section 52.570 — Right to jury trial , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.010 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.010
52.010 Actions commenced and prosecuted, and judgments enforced, as in circuit court
Status: in_force

(1) Actions at law in justice courts shall be commenced and prosecuted to final determination and judgment enforced therein, in the manner provided for similar actions in the circuit courts, except as in this chapter otherwise provided.

(2) All disbursements shall in all cases be allowed the prevailing party.

Source: Section 52.010 — Actions commenced and prosecuted, and judgments enforced, as in circuit court; prevailing party entitled to disbursements , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.005 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.005
53.005 Application of ORS 53.005 to 53.125
Status: in_force

ORS 53.005 (Application of ORS 53.005 to 53.125) to 53.125 (Judgment or order of appellate court) apply only to justice courts that have not become courts of record under ORS 51.025 (Justice court as court of record) . Appeals of civil judgments in justice courts that have become courts of record under ORS 51.025 (Justice court as court of record) shall be as provided in ORS chapter 19 for appeals from judgments of circuit courts. [1999 c.682 §6]

Source: Section 53.005 — Application of ORS 53.005 to 53.125 , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.120 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.120
51.120 Justice court docket
Status: in_force

(1) The docket of a justice of the peace is a record in which the justice of the peace must enter:

(a) The title of every action or proceeding commenced in the court of the justice of the peace or before the justice of the peace, with the names of the parties thereto and the time of the commencement thereof.

(b) The date of making or filing any pleading.

(c) An order allowing a provisional remedy, and the date of issuing and returning the summons or other process.

(d) The time when the parties or either of them appears, or their failure to do so.

(e) Every postponement of a trial or proceeding, and upon whose application, and to what time.

(f) The demand for a jury, if any, and by whom made; the order for a jury, and the time appointed for trial.

(g) The return of an order for a jury, the names of the persons impaneled and sworn as a jury, and the names of all witnesses sworn, and at whose request.

(h) The verdict of the jury, and when given; and if the jury disagree and are discharged without giving a verdict, a statement of such disagreement and discharge.

(i) The judgment of the court, and when given.

(j) The date on which any judgment is docketed in the docket.

(k) The fact of an appeal having been made and allowed, and the date thereof, with a memorandum of the undertaking, and the justification of the sureties.

(L) Satisfaction of the judgment or any part thereof.

(m) A memorandum of all orders relating to security release.

(n) All other matters which may be material or specially required by any statute.

(2) The docket of a justice court may be maintained in electronic form. [Amended by 1999 c.788 §43; 1999 c.1051 §244]

Source: Section 51.120 — Justice court docket , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.028 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.028
51.028 Justice court ceasing operation as court of record
Status: in_force

(1) Any justice court that has become a court of record under ORS 51.025 (Justice court as court of record) may cease to operate as a court of record only if the governing body of the county in which the court is located files a declaration with the Supreme Court identifying the date on which the justice court will cease operation as a court of record. The date identified in the declaration may not be less than 31 days after the date the declaration is filed.

(2) The Supreme Court may not charge a fee for filing a declaration under subsection (1) of this section. Not later than 30 days after a declaration is filed under subsection (1) of this section, the Supreme Court shall enter an order acknowledging the filing of the declaration and give notice of the order of acknowledgment to the county and the public.

(3) The appeal from a judgment entered in a justice court after the date identified in a declaration filed under this section shall be as provided in ORS 53.005 (Application of ORS 53.005 to 53.125) to 53.125 (Judgment or order of appellate court) and ORS chapter 157. [2007 c.330 §2]

Source: Section 51.028 — Justice court ceasing operation as court of record , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.050 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.050
51.050 Criminal jurisdiction
Status: in_force

(1) Except as otherwise provided in this section, in addition to the criminal jurisdiction of justice courts already conferred upon and exercised by them, justice courts have jurisdiction of all offenses committed or triable in their respective counties. The jurisdiction conveyed by this section is concurrent with any jurisdiction that may be exercised by a circuit court or municipal court.

(2) In any justice court that has not become a court of record under ORS 51.025 (Justice court as court of record) , a defendant charged with a misdemeanor shall be notified immediately after entering a plea of not guilty of the right of the defendant to have the matter transferred to the circuit court for the county where the justice court is located. The election shall be made within 10 days after the plea of not guilty is entered, and the justice shall immediately transfer the case to the appropriate court.

(3) A justice court does not have jurisdiction over the trial of any felony or a designated drug-related misdemeanor as defined in ORS 423.478 (Duties of department and counties) . A justice court does not have jurisdiction over Class E violations. Except as provided in ORS 51.037 (Agreement between city and county for provision of judicial services) , a justice court does not have jurisdiction over offenses created by the charter or ordinance of any city. [Amended by 1963 c.513 §3; 1969 c.180 §1; 1971 c.743 §313; 1973 c.625 §1; 1995 c.658 §55; 1999 c.605 §1; 1999 c.682 §10; 1999 c.1051 §41; 2017 c.706 §20; 2021 c.591 §28]

Source: Section 51.050 — Criminal jurisdiction; transfer to circuit court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.011 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.011
55.011 Small claims department
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in subsection (8) of this section, in each justice court created under any law of this state there shall be a small claims department.

(2) Except as provided in this section, all actions for the recovery of money, damages, specific personal property, or any penalty or forfeiture must be commenced and prosecuted in the small claims department if the amount or value claimed in the action does not exceed $750.

(3) Except as provided in this section, an action for the recovery of money, damages, specific personal property, or any penalty or forfeiture may be commenced and prosecuted in the small claims department if the amount or value claimed in the action does not exceed $10,000.

(4) Class actions may not be commenced and prosecuted in the small claims department.

(5) Actions providing for statutory attorney fees in which the amount or value claimed does not exceed $750 may be commenced and prosecuted in the small claims department or may be commenced and prosecuted in the regular department of the justice court. This subsection does not apply to an action based on contract for which attorney fees are authorized under ORS 20.082 (Attorney fees for small contract claims) .

(6) Jurisdiction of the person of the defendant in an action commenced in the small claims department shall be deemed acquired as of the time of service of the notice and claim.

(7) Except as provided in ORS 55.065 (Admission or denial of claim) (2)(c), the provisions of ORS 55.020 (Commencement of action) to 55.140 (Separate docket for small claims department) shall apply with regard to proceedings in the small claims department of any justice court.

(8) If a justice court is located in the same city as a circuit court, the justice court need not have a small claims department if the justice court and the circuit court enter into an intergovernmental agreement that provides that only the circuit court will operate a small claims department. If an intergovernmental agreement is entered into under this subsection, the agreement must establish appropriate procedures for referring small claims cases to the circuit court. [1963 c.404 §2 (enacted in lieu of 55.010); 1965 c.569 §2; 1973 c.625 §3; 1973 c.812 §7; 1975 c.346 §2a; 1975 c.592 §2; 1983 c.673 §6; 1985 c.367 §3; 1987 c.725 §3; 1989 c.583 §1; 1995 c.227 §4; 1997 c.801 §108; 1999 c.84 §5; 1999 c.673 §4; 2001 c.542 §6; 2007 c.125 §5; 2011 c.595 §53]

Source: Section 55.011 — Small claims department; jurisdiction , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.040 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.040
52.040 Contempt in justice court
Status: in_force

ORS 33.015 (Definitions for ORS 33.015 to 33.155) to 33.155 (Applicability) , defining acts that constitute contempt and the proceedings for imposing sanctions for contempt, apply to justice courts. [Amended by 1991 c.724 §20; 1999 c.605 §4; 2005 c.22 §34]

Source: Section 52.040 — Contempt in justice court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.130 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.130
51.130 Disposition of docket and files
Status: in_force

The docket and files of a justice court are to be safely and securely kept by the justice of the peace, and by the justice of the peace forthwith delivered to a successor in office. When any justice court is abolished, the docket and files of that court shall be turned over to the clerk of the circuit court for the county in which the justice court was located. Such docket and files are public writings. [Amended by 1995 c.658 §56]

Source: Section 51.130 — Disposition of docket and files; docket and files are public writings , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.065 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.065
55.065 Admission or denial of claim
Status: in_force

Within 14 days after the date of service of the notice and claim upon the defendant as provided in ORS 55.045 (Notice of claim) :

(1) If the defendant admits the claim, the defendant may settle it by:

(a) Paying to the court the amount of the claim plus the amount of the small claims fee and service expenses paid by the plaintiff. The court shall pay to the plaintiff the amounts paid by the defendant.

(b) If the claim is for recovery of specific personal property, delivering the property to the plaintiff and paying to the plaintiff the amount of the small claims fee and service expenses paid by the plaintiff.

(2) If the defendant denies the claim, the defendant:

(a) May demand a hearing in the small claims department in a written request to the court in the form prescribed by the court, accompanied by payment of the defendant’s fee prescribed; and

(b) When demanding a hearing, may assert a counterclaim in the form provided by the court; or

(c) If the amount or value claimed exceeds $750, may demand a jury trial in a written request to the court in the form prescribed by the court, accompanied by payment of the appearance fee prescribed by ORS 51.310 (Schedule of fees) (1)(b) together with the trial fee prescribed by ORS 52.410 (Trial fee) . The request shall designate a mailing address to which a summons and copy of the complaint may be served by mail. Thereafter, the plaintiff’s claim will not be limited to the amount stated in the claim, though it must involve the same controversy. [1989 c.583 §6; 1995 c.227 §3]

Source: Section 55.065 — Admission or denial of claim; request for jury trial , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.100 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.100
55.100 Payment of judgment
Status: in_force

If the judgment is against a party to make payment, the party shall pay the same forthwith upon the terms and conditions prescribed by the justice of the peace. [Amended by 1977 c.875 §16]

Source: Section 55.100 — Payment of judgment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.530 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.530
52.530 Change of place of trial
Status: in_force

(1) The justice shall change the place of trial, on motion of either party to the action, when it appears from a supporting affidavit of the party that:

(a) The justice is a party to or directly interested in the event of the action, or connected by consanguinity or affinity within the third degree with the adverse party or those for whom the justice prosecutes or defends; or

(b) The justice is so prejudiced against the party making the motion that the party cannot expect an impartial trial before the justice.

(2) The justice may change the place of trial, on motion of either party to the action, when it appears from a supporting affidavit of the party that the convenience of parties and witnesses would be promoted by the change, and that the motion is not made for the purpose of delay.

(3) The motion for change of place of trial cannot be made or allowed in any action until after the cause is at issue on a question of fact. The change shall be made to the nearest justice court in the county. If there is only one justice court in the county the change shall be made to the circuit court for the county in which the justice court is located. Neither party shall be entitled to more than one change in the place of trial, except for causes not in existence when the first change was allowed. When the place of trial has been changed, the justice shall forthwith transmit to the justice court or circuit court to whom the case is transferred a transcript of the proceedings had in the case with all the original papers filed thereon. All costs incurred in the transfer of such case, including the fee for filing the same in the court to which the case is transferred shall be borne by the party requesting the change and must be tendered by the party to the justice at the time of filing the motion for the change. Such costs may be recovered by such party in the event the party prevails in the trial of the action. On the failure of the party to tender or pay the required fee at the time the motion is filed the justice shall disregard the motion and proceed to try the action as though no motion had been filed. [Amended by 1959 c.159 §1; 1995 c.658 §63; 2005 c.22 §37]

Source: Section 52.530 — Change of place of trial , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.110 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.110
53.110 Dismissal of appeal
Status: in_force

The appellate court may dismiss an appeal from a justice court if it is not properly taken and perfected. When an appeal is dismissed the appellate court must give judgment as it was given in the court below, and against the appellant for the costs and disbursements of the appeal. When judgment is given in the appellate court against the appellant, either with or without the trial of the action, it must also be given against the sureties in the undertaking of the appellant, according to its nature and effect.

Source: Section 53.110 — Dismissal of appeal; judgment on dismissal or after trial; judgment against sureties , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.090 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.090
54.090 Justice not in office or present when list was made must procure and file copy thereof
Status: in_force

A justice of the peace not in office or attendance when a jury list is made must procure, and file in the office of the justice of the peace, a certified copy thereof.

Source: Section 54.090 — Justice not in office or present when list was made must procure and file copy thereof , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.070 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.070
51.070 Crimes triable in justice court
Status: in_force

A crime is triable in a justice court when, by the provisions of ORS 131.205 (Definition for ORS 131.205 to 131.235) to 131.325 (Place of trial) , an action may be commenced therefor in the county where such court is held. [Amended by 1973 c.836 §328]

Source: Section 51.070 — Crimes triable in justice court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.635 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.635
52.635 Liens based on justice court judgment
Status: in_force

(1) After a judgment that includes a money award is docketed in a justice court, a certified copy of the judgment or a lien record abstract for the judgment may be recorded in the County Clerk Lien Record for the county that contains the justice court that rendered the judgment. The certified copy or lien record abstract may be recorded by the judgment creditor or by the agent of the judgment creditor at any time after the judgment is rendered and before the judgment expires under ORS 18.194 (Expiration and extension of judgment remedies for justice and municipal court judgments) or is fully satisfied. From the time the certified copy of the judgment or the lien record abstract is recorded in the County Clerk Lien Record, the judgment is a lien upon the real property of the defendant in the county.

(2) In lieu of recording a certified copy of a judgment or a lien record abstract for a judgment under subsection (1) of this section, a judgment that includes a money award rendered by a justice court in a civil action may be transcribed to the circuit court for the county that contains the justice court that rendered the judgment. The judgment may be transcribed by the filing of a certified transcript of the judgment with the clerk of the circuit court. The transcript must contain a copy of all the docket entries made in the case and the judgment as rendered by the justice court, certified to be a true and correct transcript from the original entries by the justice court. Upon filing of the certified transcript, the clerk shall enter the transcribed judgment in the register of the circuit court and in the judgment lien record. The clerk shall note in the register that the transcribed judgment creates a judgment lien. A judgment in a criminal action may not be transcribed to circuit court under the provisions of this subsection.

(3) A certified copy of a judgment docketed in a justice court, or a lien record abstract for the judgment, may be recorded in any County Clerk Lien Record. The judgment or lien record abstract may be recorded in a county other than the county that contains the justice court that rendered the judgment without transcribing the justice court judgment to the circuit court for the county that contains the justice court that rendered the judgment, or recording a certified copy of the judgment or a lien record abstract for the judgment in the County Clerk Lien Record for the county that contains the justice court. If the judgment has been transcribed to circuit court, or a certified copy of the judgment or a lien record abstract for the judgment has been recorded in any County Clerk Lien Record, a lien record abstract for the judgment in the form provided by ORS 18.170 (Form for lien record abstract) may be recorded in the County Clerk Lien Record for any other county. From the time the certified copy of the judgment or lien record abstract for the judgment is recorded in the County Clerk Lien Record of another county, the judgment is a lien upon the real property of the defendant in that county.

(4) A certified copy of a certificate of extension filed under ORS 18.194 (Expiration and extension of judgment remedies for justice and municipal court judgments) , or a lien record abstract for the certificate of extension, may be transcribed to circuit court or recorded in a County Clerk Lien Record in the same manner as provided for judgments under this section and with like effect.

(5) The transcribing of a justice court judgment to circuit court under this section, or the recording of a certified copy of a justice court judgment or a lien record abstract under this section, does not extend the lien of the judgment more than 10 years from the original entry of the judgment in the justice court.

(6) The fee for filing a transcript with the clerk of the circuit court under subsection (2) of this section shall be as provided in ORS 21.235 (Document fee) (1). The fee for recording a certified copy of a justice court judgment or a lien record abstract under this section shall be as provided in ORS 205.320 (Fees collected by county clerk) .

(7) A justice court and circuit court may enter into an agreement to allow for electronic transcription of justice court judgments under this section. A justice court and county clerk may enter into an agreement to allow for electronic recording of judgments and lien record abstracts under this section. [1999 c.788 §4 (enacted in lieu of 52.630); 2003 c.576 §96; 2003 c.737 §§80,81; 2007 c.339 §12; 2011 c.595 §120]

Note: Section 62 (1) and (2), chapter 788, Oregon Laws 1999, provides:

Sec. 62. (1) The repeal of ORS 52.630 by section 3 of this 1999 Act does not affect any judgment docketed in a circuit court under the provisions of ORS 52.630 (1997 Edition) before the effective date of this 1999 Act [October 23, 1999].

(2) Any judgment rendered by a justice court before the effective date of this 1999 Act that was not docketed in the circuit court under the provisions of ORS 52.630 (1997 Edition) before the effective date of this 1999 Act may become a lien on real property only in the manner provided by section 4 of this 1999 Act [ 52.635 (Liens based on justice court judgment) ]. Any judgment rendered in a justice court on or after the effective date of this 1999 Act may become a lien on real property only in the manner provided by section 4 of this 1999 Act. [1999 c.788 §62(1),(2)]

Source: Section 52.635 — Liens based on justice court judgment , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.020 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.020
55.020 Commencement of action
Status: in_force

An action in the small claims department shall be commenced by the plaintiff filing a claim with the clerk of the court in the form prescribed by the justice of the peace along with the fee prescribed by ORS 51.310 (Schedule of fees) (1)(c). [Amended by 1989 c.583 §2; 2021 c.411 §2]

Source: Section 55.020 — Commencement of action , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.560 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.560
52.560 Jurisdiction to cease when title to real property in question
Status: in_force

If it appears on the trial of any cause before a justice of the peace from the evidence of either party, or from the pleadings, that the title to real property is in question, which title is disputed by the other party, the justice shall immediately make an entry thereof in the docket of the justice and cease all further proceedings in the cause. The justice shall certify and return to the circuit court of the county a transcript of all the entries made in the docket of the justice relating to the case, together with all the process and other papers relating to the action, in the same manner and within the same time as upon an appeal. Thereupon the circuit court shall proceed in the cause to final judgment and execution in the same manner as if the action had been originally commenced therein, and disbursements shall abide the event of the action.

Source: Section 52.560 — Jurisdiction to cease when title to real property in question; further proceedings in circuit court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.660 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.660
52.660 Enforcement of setoff judgment stayed
Status: in_force

The justice making the transcript and certificate shall make an entry thereof in the docket of the justice and thereafter all proceedings to enforce the judgment shall be stayed, unless the transcript is returned with the certificate of the proper justice indorsed thereon, to the effect that it has not been allowed to be set off.

Source: Section 52.660 — Enforcement of setoff judgment stayed , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.130 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.130
55.130 Enforcement of judgment when no appeal is taken
Status: in_force

(1) If no appeal is taken by a party against whom a judgment to make payment is rendered and the party fails to pay the judgment according to the terms and conditions thereof, the justice of the peace before whom the hearing was had, may, on application of the prevailing party, certify the judgment in substantially the following form:

In the Justice Court for ______ District, ______ County, Oregon.

____________

Plaintiff,

vs.

____________

Defendant.

In the Small Claims Department

This is to certify that in a certain action before me, the undersigned, had on this, the _____ day of _____, 2__, wherein ______ was plaintiff and _________ was defendant, jurisdiction of the defendant having been had by personal service (or otherwise), as provided by law, I then and there entered judgment against the (defendant or plaintiff) in the sum of ___ dollars, which judgment has not been paid.

Witness my hand this ___ day of ______, 2__.

__________________

Justice of the Peace

Sitting in the Small

Claims Department.

(2) Upon the payment of a fee of $9, the justice of the peace shall forthwith enter the judgment transcript on the docket of the justice court. Thereafter execution and other process on execution provided by law may issue thereon as in other cases of judgments of justice courts, and transcripts of the judgments may be filed and entered in judgment dockets in circuit courts with like effect as in other cases. [Amended by 1965 c.619 §30; 1977 c.875 §19; 1987 c.829 §4; 1997 c.801 §134; 2015 c.623 §5]

Source: Section 55.130 — Enforcement of judgment when no appeal is taken; fees , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 53.060 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 53 / Section 53.060
53.060 Allowance of appeal
Status: in_force

When an appeal is taken, the justice must allow the same and make an entry thereof in the docket of the justice, stating whether the proceedings are thereby stayed or not. When the proceedings are stayed, if an execution has been issued to enforce judgment, the justice must recall the execution by written notice to the officer holding it. Thereupon it must be returned and all property taken thereon and not sold released. [Amended by 1981 c.898 §43]

Source: Section 53.060 — Allowance of appeal; recall of execution when stay granted , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors053.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 55.090 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 55 / Section 55.090
55.090 Appearance by parties and attorneys
Status: in_force

(1) Except as may otherwise be provided by ORS 55.040 (Verification and prosecution of claim) , no attorney at law nor any person other than the plaintiff and defendant shall become involved in or in any manner interfere with the prosecution or defense of the litigation in the department without the consent of the justice of the justice court, nor shall it be necessary to summon witnesses. But the plaintiff and defendant may offer evidence in their behalf by witnesses appearing at the hearing, and the justice may informally consult witnesses or otherwise investigate the controversy and give judgment or make such orders as the justice deems right, just and equitable for the disposition of the controversy.

(2) Notwithstanding ORS 9.320 (Necessity for employment of attorney) , a party that is not a natural person, state or any city, county, district or other political subdivision or public corporation in this state may appear as a party to any action in the department without appearance by attorney.

(3) When spouses are both parties to an action, one spouse may appear on behalf of both spouses in mediation or litigation in the small claims department:

(a) With the written consent of the other spouse; or

(b) If the appearing spouse declares under penalty of perjury that the other spouse consents. [Amended by 1973 c.625 §4; 1987 c.158 §8; 1993 c.282 §3; 1997 c.808 §9; 2015 c.7 §4; 2017 c.268 §2]

Source: Section 55.090 — Appearance by parties and attorneys; witnesses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.220 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.220
52.220 Attachment proceedings conducted as in circuit court
Status: in_force

The provisions for proceedings in the circuit courts on attachment and delivery of personal property shall govern in like cases in justice courts, except as otherwise provided. [Amended by 1981 c.898 §42]

Source: Section 52.220 — Attachment proceedings conducted as in circuit court , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 54.110 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 54 / Section 54.110
54.110 Selection of jury from jury list
Status: in_force

When a jury is demanded in a justice court, instead of being selected by the officers, as provided in ORS 54.020 (Jury not selected from jury list) to 54.040 (Insufficient number of jurors) , the jury must be drawn and selected from the jury list of the district, if either party requires it.

Source: Section 54.110 — Selection of jury from jury list , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors054.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 52.540 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 52 / Section 52.540
52.540 Payment of disbursements for change of venue
Status: in_force

(1) The disbursements of the change of venue shall be paid by the party applying therefor, and not taxed as a part of the costs in the case.

(2) It shall not be necessary to issue new subpoenas to witnesses, but the witnesses shall appear before the justice before whom the cause has been transferred without the issue of any other notice than the allowance of the motion for the change of venue.

Source: Section 52.540 — Payment of disbursements for change of venue; subpoenaed witnesses , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors052.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).
ORS § 51.055 — OR Code / Title 6 / Chapter 51 / Section 51.055
51.055 Notice to Department of State Police of conviction
Status: in_force

(1) A justice or municipal court shall notify the Department of State Police when the justice or municipal court enters a judgment of conviction for a Class A misdemeanor.

(2) The department shall make rules establishing:

(a) Requirements for notification under this section.

(b) Procedures for entry of convictions described in subsection (1) of this section into the Law Enforcement Data System the department maintains. The rules must provide that it is not necessary to enter a conviction into the Law Enforcement Data System if a record of the conviction already exists in the system. [2013 c.141 §1]

Source: Section 51.055 — Notice to Department of State Police of conviction; rules , https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors051.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).