New Local Rules

Navigating the New Local Rules for Small Claims Court

The Marion County Small Claims Courts in Indianapolis, IN will have a new set of local rules that apply to all nine (9) of the small claims courts in the county.  The local rules are effective January 1, 2013 and can be found here: New Proposed Local Rules for Marion County Small Claims Courts  The rules include changes for uniform court hours, filing requirements, forms and other policies.  Litigants who file cases in the Marion County Small Claims Courts will be able to navigate the courts better and the changes are designed to improve the accessibility to the courts.

Be Brief

Communicating in the Courtroom

The best advice for communicating in the courtroom is: Be Brief.   The best way to explain your problem is in a clear and direct way.  Do not muddy your position by trying to “throw mud” on your opposing party.  It does not work.  If you can state your case in less than 5 minutes, do so.  Your most important points will always take less than 5 minutes to explain.  Leave out all the rest. 

Here's a link to a great article on brevity:  How To Be Brief

Take care,

Judge Michelle Smith Scott