This is TEL-LAW topic number 500, Small Claims Court, brought to you as a public service by the lawyers of the State of Oregon. The material presented is general legal information intended to alert you to possible problems and solutions. The hearings are informal and you do not need a lawyer. In fact, lawyers are allowed to represent people in Small Claims Court only with special permission from the judge. Oregon law has created Small Claims Courts in both District Courts and Justice Courts.
Minor differences exist in the two courts.
For purposes of example, this topic deals with District Court methods. Almost any kind of case where people are suing for money or recovery of personal property can be heard in Small Claims Court. Class actions suits and actions providing for statutory attorney fees can not be brought in Small Claims Court. Any person, business or corporation can sue or be sued in Small Claims Court. The plaintiff must sign a statement called an affidavit stating that he or she has made a bona fide effort to collect on the claim before filing a suit.