What types of claims does the Small Claims Court have jurisdiction over?

Small Claims Court is designed to handle civil disputes in a more accessible and expedited manner, particularly for individuals who might not have the resources to pursue larger claims through traditional court systems. In New Brunswick, as in many other jurisdictions, Small Claims Court has specific limits on the amount of money involved in a claim, which is capped at $20,000. This makes it a platform for resolving relatively small financial disputes, such as claims for debt or damages arising from various circumstances (like contract breaches or property damage).

The focus of Small Claims Court is primarily on monetary claims, and it is meant for individuals who can represent themselves without the need for legal counsel, thus simplifying the process. The other types of claims listed, such as those involving family matters or criminal issues, fall outside its jurisdiction. Family law matters typically require a more complex adjudication process under the Family Court system, while criminal cases, including those involving minors, are handled by different courts that are designated specifically for criminal law. Thus, claims for debt or damages under $20,000 are the only ones that align with the primary function and jurisdictional limits of Small Claims Court.