Is real small claims court all inquisitional like those TV shows?

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Nevada

Is real small claims court like those court TV shows where instead of each side presenting evidence, it's just a pure inquisition by the judge? Judges just go around quizzing each side on stuff, sometimes completely out of order and sometimes on trivial things?

Palmmane said:

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Nevada

Is real small claims court like those court TV shows where instead of each side presenting evidence, it's just a pure inquisition by the judge? Judges just go around quizzing each side on stuff, sometimes completely out of order and sometimes on trivial things?

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Depends on the judge. And what do you mean judges are completely out of order? Some things are not trivial legally that seem trivial. Oh and by the way -- those judge shows are not small claims court -- they are considered BINDING arbitration. They have slightly looser rules.

Spoken from experience...

The basic truth is that NO, the shows on TV are not like real courtrooms.

TV shows are made to be dramatic. No judge in his right mind would allow such chaos to continue in their courtroom. Many eve specifically instruct all the parties before their hearing even begins that even though they may be dealing with emotional issues, that they will not tolerate the kinds of antics that would go on in a TV show.

TV court shows on the other hand have cases that are specifically chosen for their drama factor. More drama means that more people will be interested in watching it. (Who really wants to see a stiff, boring court proceeding?)