Civil courts and small claims
Civil cases have their own courts:
- The County Court deals with a wide range of civil disputes, such as getting back money you are owed, personal injury, family matters, broken contracts and divorce. In Scotland, most of these cases are dealt with in the Sheriff Court.
- In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, bigger civil cases, for example where a large amount of compensation is claimed, go to the High Court. Scotland's equivalent is the Court of Session in Edinburgh.
Small claims: sorting it out round a table
The small claims procedure is an informal way to settle smaller disputes without spending lots of money and time on a lawyer.
- Limits: in England and Wales, claims under £10,000; in Scotland and Northern Ireland, claims under £3,000.
- A judge hears the case in an ordinary room, with everyone sitting round a table.
- You can also make a claim online using Money Claims Online.
- For more details, ask your local County Court or Sheriff Court. Information for England and Wales is on the UK government website (GOV.UK); Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own courts websites.
Quiz
Which TWO statements about civil cases are correct?
In Scotland, serious civil cases go to the Court of Session in Edinburgh. Small claims are informal: a judge hears them in an ordinary room, round a table. The £10,000 limit is for England and Wales; in Scotland and Northern Ireland it is £3,000. Divorce is a civil matter for the County Court; the Youth Court tries criminal cases against 10- to 17-year-olds.