Understand NYC small claims terms with this glossary. Clear definitions of key words like judgment, defendant, plaintiff, adjournment, and more.
Introduction
The legal process can feel confusing, especially when small claims court uses terms you may not hear every day. To help you prepare, we’ve put together a glossary of common NYC small claims court terms explained in simple, plain language.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. We are not attorneys and do not provide legal advice.
Small Claims Glossary
Adjournment: A postponement or rescheduling of a court date.
Clerk: A court staff member who helps process paperwork and schedules cases.
Claimant / Plaintiff: The person who files the case (the one bringing the claim).
Defendant: The person or business being sued in the case.
Default Judgment: A judgment in favor of the plaintiff if the defendant does not appear in court.
Evidence: Proof used to support your case, such as receipts, contracts, photos, or witness statements.
Filing Fee: The fee paid when starting a small claims case (typically $15–$20 in NYC).
Hearing: The court session where both sides present their case before a judge.
Judgment: The final decision by the judge, stating who wins and how much is owed.
Jurisdiction: The authority of the court to hear a case. In NYC, small claims court handles cases up to $10,000.
Mediation: An alternative dispute resolution process where both sides try to settle with help from a neutral third party.
Notice of Claim: The official document filed to begin a small claims case.
Service of Process: Delivering official court papers (like the Notice of Claim) to the defendant.
Statute of Limitations: The deadline for filing a claim. Time limits vary by case type.
Subpoena: A court order requiring someone to appear in court or provide documents.
Conclusion
Knowing the meaning of small claims court terms can make the process less overwhelming. Whether you’re the plaintiff or defendant, understanding this vocabulary helps you prepare and communicate more effectively in court.
If you’re preparing to file, our service can help by preparing and filing your court forms — It takes less than 10 mins to file your claim
