Jurisdiction of the County Court:
This deals with the majority of civil claims, such as contract disputes, compensation claims for injuries to claimants, some bankruptcy claims and defamation cases. Usually heard by a district or circuit judge; rarely will a jury of 8 be used.
It is generally a simpler system of civil courts post-Woolf reforms. :check: ADR is encouraged, but not always appropriate or enforced by judges. :red_cross: Small claims court is less formal than the main County Court, with a District Judge taking an active role setting time limits and asking questions. :check:Also, a solicitor is not needed in many cases, unless the claim in contested, and so can limit costs :check: