reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
CA Civ Pro Code § 98 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.1 - Limited Civil Cases|ARTICLE 2 - Economic Litigation for Limited Civil Cases|Section 98.

98.  A party may, in lieu of presenting direct testimony, offer the prepared testimony of revelant witnesses in the form of affidavits or declarations under penalty of perjury. The prepared testimony may include, but need not be limited to, the opinions of expert witnesses, and testimony which authenticates documentary evidence. To the extent the contents of the prepared testimony would have been admissible were the witness to testify orally thereto, the prepared testimony shall be received as evidence in the case, provided that either of the following applies:(a) A copy has been served on the party against whom it is offered at least 30 days prior to the trial, together with a current address of the affiant that is within 150 miles of the place of trial, and the affiant is available for service of process at that place for a reasonable period of time, during the 20 days immediately prior to trial.(b) The statement is in the form of all or part of a deposition in the case, and the party against whom it is offered had an opportunity to participate in the deposition.The court shall determine whether the affidavit or declaration shall be read into the record in lieu of oral testimony or admitted as a documentary exhibit.(Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 102, Sec. 4. Effective June 16, 1983.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 99 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.1 - Limited Civil Cases|ARTICLE 2 - Economic Litigation for Limited Civil Cases|Section 99.

99.  A judgment or final order, in respect to the matter directly adjudged, is conclusive between the parties and their successors in interest but does not operate as collateral estoppel of a party or a successor in interest to a party in other litigation with a person who was not a party or a successor in interest to a party to the action in which the judgment or order is rendered.(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1581, Sec. 1.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 100 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.1 - Limited Civil Cases|ARTICLE 2 - Economic Litigation for Limited Civil Cases|Section 100.

100.  Any party shall have the right to appeal any judgment or final order consistent with the law governing appeals.(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1581, Sec. 1.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.110 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions|Section 116.110.

116.110.  This chapter shall be known and may be cited as “The Small Claims Act.”(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1305, Sec. 3. Note: Prior to 1991, this subject matter was in Chapter 5A, comprising Sections 116 to 117.24.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.120 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions|Section 116.120.

116.120.  The Legislature hereby finds and declares as follows:(a) Individual minor civil disputes are of special importance to the parties and of significant social and economic consequence collectively.(b) In order to resolve minor civil disputes expeditiously, inexpensively, and fairly, it is essential to provide a judicial forum accessible to all parties directly involved in resolving these disputes.(c) The small claims divisions have been established to provide a forum to resolve minor civil disputes, and for that reason constitute a fundamental element in the administration of justice and the protection of the rights and property of individuals.(d) The small claims divisions, the provisions of this chapter, and the rules of the Judicial Council regarding small claims actions shall operate to ensure that the convenience of parties and witnesses who are individuals shall prevail, to the extent possible, over the convenience of any other parties or witnesses.(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 931, Sec. 37. Effective September 28, 1998.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.130 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions|Section 116.130.

116.130.  In this chapter, unless the context indicates otherwise:(a) “Plaintiff” means the party who has filed a small claims action. The term includes a defendant who has filed a claim against a plaintiff.(b) “Defendant” means the party against whom the plaintiff has filed a small claims action. The term includes a plaintiff against whom a defendant has filed a claim.(c) “Judgment creditor” means the party, whether plaintiff or defendant, in whose favor a money judgment has been rendered.(d) “Judgment debtor” means the party, whether plaintiff or defendant, against whom a money judgment has been rendered. (e) “Person” means an individual, corporation, partnership, limited liability partnership, limited liability company, firm, association, or other entity.(f) “Individual” means a natural person. (g) “Party” means a plaintiff or defendant. (h) “Motion” means a party’s written request to the court for an order or other action. The term includes an informal written request to the court, such as a letter.(i) “Declaration” means a written statement signed by an individual which includes the date and place of signing, and a statement under penalty of perjury under the laws of this state that its contents are true and correct.(j) “Good cause” means circumstances sufficient to justify the requested order or other action, as determined by the judge. (k) “Mail” means first-class mail with postage fully prepaid, unless stated otherwise.(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 449, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2004.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.140 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 1 - General Provisions|Section 116.140.

116.140.  The following do not apply in small claims actions:(a) Subdivision (a) of Section 1013 and subdivision (b) of Section 1005, on the extension of the time for taking action when notice is given by mail. (b) Title 6.5 (commencing with Section 481.010) of Part 2, on the issuance of prejudgment attachments.(Added by Stats. 1991, Ch. 915, Sec. 2.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.210 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.210.

116.210.  In each superior court there shall be a small claims division. The small claims division may be known as the small claims court.(Amended by Stats. 2002, Ch. 784, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 2003.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.221 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.221.

116.221.  In addition to the jurisdiction conferred by Section 116.220, the small claims court has jurisdiction in an action brought by a natural person, if the amount of the demand does not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000), except as otherwise prohibited by subdivision (c) of Section 116.220 or subdivision (a) of Section 116.231.(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 92, Sec. 41. (SB 1289) Effective January 1, 2019.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.222 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.222.

116.222.  If the action is to enforce the payment of a debt, the statement of calculation of liability shall separately state the original debt, each payment credited to the debt, each fee and charge added to the debt, each payment credited against those fees and charges, all other debits or charges to the account, and an explanation of the nature of those fees, charges, debits, and all other credits to the debt, by source and amount.(Added by Stats. 2005, Ch. 618, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2006.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.223 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.223.

116.223.  (a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares as follows:(1) There is anticipated to be an unprecedented number of claims arising out of nonpayment of residential rent that occurred between March 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021, related to the COVID-19 pandemic.(2) These disputes are of special importance to the parties and of significant social and economic consequence collectively as the people of the State of California grapple with the health, economic, and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.(3) It is essential that the parties have access to a judicial forum to resolve these disputes expeditiously, inexpensively, and fairly.(4) It is the intent of the Legislature that landlords of residential real property and their tenants have the option to litigate disputes regarding rent which is unpaid for the time period between March 1, 2020, and September 30, 2021, in the small claims court. It is the intent of the Legislature that the jurisdictional limits of the small claims court not apply to these disputes over COVID-19 rental debt.(b) (1) Notwithstanding paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) Section 116.220, Section 116.221, or any other law, the small claims court has jurisdiction in any action for recovery of COVID-19 rental debt, as defined in Section 1179.02, and any defenses thereto, regardless of the amount demanded.(2) In an action described in paragraph (1), the court shall reduce the damages awarded for any amount of COVID-19 rental debt sought by payments made to the landlord to satisfy the COVID-19 rental debt, including payments by the tenant, rental assistance programs, or another third party pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 1947.3 of the Civil Code.(3) An action to recover COVID-19 rental debt, as defined in Section 1179.02, brought pursuant to this subdivision shall not be commenced before November 1, 2021.(c) Any claim for recovery of COVID-19 rental debt, as defined in Section 1179.02, shall not be subject to Section 116.231, notwithstanding the fact that a landlord of residential rental property may have brought two or more small claims actions in which the amount demanded exceeded two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) in any calendar year.(d) This section shall remain in effect until October 1, 2025, and as of that date is repealed.(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 27, Sec. 7. (AB 832) Effective June 28, 2021. Repealed as of October 1, 2025, by its own provisions.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.225 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.225.

116.225.  An agreement entered into or renewed on or after January 1, 2003, establishing a forum outside of California for an action arising from an offer or provision of goods, services, property, or extensions of credit primarily for personal, family, or household purposes that is otherwise within the jurisdiction of a small claims court of this state is contrary to public policy and is void and unenforceable.(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 247, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 2003.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.231 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.231.

116.231.  (a) Except as provided in subdivision (d), no person may file more than two small claims actions in which the amount demanded exceeds two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), anywhere in the state in any calendar year.(b) Except as provided in subdivision (d), if the amount demanded in any small claims action exceeds two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500), the party making the demand shall file a declaration under penalty of perjury attesting to the fact that not more than two small claims actions in which the amount of the demand exceeded two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) have been filed by that party in this state within the calendar year.(c) The Legislature finds and declares that the pilot project conducted under the authority of Chapter 1196 of the Statutes of 1991 demonstrated the efficacy of the removal of the limitation on the number of actions public entities may file in the small claims courts on claims exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500).(d) The limitation on the number of filings exceeding two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) does not apply to filings where the claim does not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) that are filed by a city, county, city and county, school district, county office of education, community college district, local district, or any other local public entity. If any small claims action is filed by a city, county, city and county, school district, county office of education, community college district, local district, or any other local public entity pursuant to this section, and the defendant informs the court either in advance of the hearing by written notice or at the time of the hearing, that he or she is represented in the action by legal counsel, the action shall be transferred out of the small claims division. A city, county, city and county, school district, county office of education, community college district, local district, or any other local public entity may not file a claim within the small claims division if the amount of the demand exceeds five thousand dollars ($5,000).(Amended by Stats. 1998, Ch. 931, Sec. 39. Effective September 28, 1998.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.232 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.232.

116.232.  A fee of fifteen dollars ($15) shall be charged and collected from the plaintiff for each defendant to whom the court clerk mails a copy of the claim under Section 116.340. This fee shall be distributed to the court in which it was collected.(Amended by Stats. 2013, Ch. 31, Sec. 1. (SB 75) Effective June 27, 2013.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.240 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.240.

116.240.  (a) With the consent of the parties who appear at the hearing, the court may order a case to be heard by a temporary judge who is a member of the State Bar, and who has been sworn and empowered to act until final determination of the case.(b) Prior to serving as a temporary judge in small claims court, on and after July 1, 2006, and at least every three years thereafter, each temporary judge shall take the course of study offered by the courts on ethics and substantive law under rules adopted by the Judicial Council. The course shall include, but not be limited to, state and federal consumer laws, landlord-tenant law along with any applicable county specific rent deposit law, the state and federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Acts, the federal Truth in Lending Act, the federal Fair Credit Billing Act, the federal Electronic Fund Transfer Act, tort law, and contract law, including defenses to contracts and defenses to debts. On substantive law, the courts may receive assistance from the Department of Consumer Affairs, to the extent that the department is fiscally able to provide that assistance.(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 618, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2006.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.250 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.250.

116.250.  (a) Sessions of the small claims court may be scheduled at any time and on any day, including Saturdays, but excluding other judicial holidays.(b) Each small claims division of a superior court with seven or more judicial officers shall conduct at least one night session or Saturday session each month for the purpose of hearing small claims cases other than small claims appeals. The term “session” includes, but is not limited to, a proceeding conducted by a member of the State Bar acting as a mediator or referee.(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 149, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2004.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.260 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.260.

116.260.  In each county, individual assistance shall be made available to advise small claims litigants and potential litigants without charge as provided in Section 116.940 and by rules adopted by the Judicial Council.(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1305, Sec. 3. Note: Prior to 1991, this subject matter was in Chapter 5A, comprising Sections 116 to 117.24.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.270 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 2 - Small Claims Court|Section 116.270.

116.270.  Any small claims division may use law clerks to assist the judge with legal research of small claims cases.(Added by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1305, Sec. 3. Note: Prior to 1991, this subject matter was in Chapter 5A, comprising Sections 116 to 117.24.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.310 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 3 - Actions|Section 116.310.

116.310.  (a) No formal pleading, other than the claim described in Section 116.320 or 116.360, is necessary to initiate a small claims action.(b) The pretrial discovery procedures described in Section 2019.010 are not permitted in small claims actions.(Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 182, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 2005. Operative July 1, 2005, by Sec. 64 of Ch. 182.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.320 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 3 - Actions|Section 116.320.

116.320.  (a) A plaintiff may commence an action in the small claims court by filing a claim under oath with the clerk of the small claims court in person, by mail, by facsimile transmission if authorized pursuant to Section 1010.5, or by electronic means as authorized by Section 1010.6.(b) The claim form shall be a simple nontechnical form approved or adopted by the Judicial Council. The claim form shall set forth a place for (1) the name and address of the defendant, if known; (2) the amount and the basis of the claim; (3) that the plaintiff, where possible, has demanded payment and, in applicable cases, possession of the property; (4) that the defendant has failed or refused to pay, and, where applicable, has refused to surrender the property; and (5) that the plaintiff understands that the judgment on his or her claim will be conclusive and without a right of appeal.(c) The form or accompanying instructions shall include information that the plaintiff (1) may not be represented by an attorney, (2) has no right of appeal, and (3) may ask the court to waive fees for filing and serving the claim on the ground that the plaintiff is unable to pay them, using the forms approved by the Judicial Council for that purpose.(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 738, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2008.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.330 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 3 - Actions|Section 116.330.

116.330.  (a) When a claim is filed, the clerk shall schedule the case for hearing and shall issue an order directing the parties to appear at the time set for the hearing with witnesses and documents to prove their claim or defense. The case shall be scheduled for hearing no earlier than 20 days but not more than 70 days from the date of the order.(b) In lieu of the method of setting the case for hearing described in subdivision (a), at the time a claim is filed the clerk may do all of the following:(1) Cause a copy of the claim to be mailed to the defendant by any form of mail providing for a return receipt.(2) On receipt of proof that the claim was served as provided in paragraph (1), issue an order scheduling the case for hearing in accordance with subdivision (a) and directing the parties to appear at the time set for the hearing with witnesses and documents to prove their claim or defense.(3) Cause a copy of the order setting the case for hearing and directing the parties to appear, to be served upon the parties by any form of mail providing for a return receipt.(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 706, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2006.)
CA Civ Pro Code § 116.360 (2021)
2021 California Code|Code of Civil Procedure - CCP|PART 1 - OF COURTS OF JUSTICE|TITLE 1 - ORGANIZATION AND JURISDICTION|CHAPTER 5.5 - Small Claims Court|ARTICLE 3 - Actions|Section 116.360.

116.360.  (a) The defendant may file a claim against the plaintiff in the same action in an amount not to exceed the jurisdictional limits stated in Sections 116.220, 116.221, and 116.231. The claim need not relate to the same subject or event as the plaintiff’s claim.(b) The defendant’s claim shall be filed and served in the manner provided for filing and serving a claim of the plaintiff under Sections 116.330 and 116.340.(c) The defendant shall cause a copy of the claim and order to be served on the plaintiff at least five days before the hearing date, unless the defendant was served 10 days or less before the hearing date, in which event the defendant shall cause a copy of the defendant’s claim and order to be served on the plaintiff at least one day before the hearing date.(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 167, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 2007.)