It is both a privilege and an honor to contribute this article as president of the Small Claims Arbitrators Association concerning the Law Day topic, “Law in the 21st Century: Enduring Traditions, Emerging Challenges,” as it pertains to the Small Claims Part of the Civil Court of the City of New York.
Since its creation in the mid-20th century, the Small Claims Part has provided the general public access to the court system without the need either to navigate a procedural maze or for legal representation. As a result, it has been colloquially re-named “the people’s court,” as evening after evening pro se litigants appear to have their cases decided by an army of volunteer attorneys doing the public good.
