Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Personal Finance Practice Test

Small claims court is designed to handle disputes with financial limits set by what entity?

1. Federal government

2. Cities

3. States

4. Counties

The correct answer is: States

Small claims court is designed to handle disputes involving relatively small amounts of money, and the financial limits for these claims are determined by each individual state. Each state has its own laws governing the maximum amount that can be claimed in small claims court. This can vary from state to state, which reflects different local economic conditions and the policy decisions made by state legislatures. For instance, one state may set a limit of $5,000, while another may allow claims up to $10,000. Additionally, the processes and procedures in small claims courts are also defined by state law, which ensures that the court system operates efficiently and allows for easier access for individuals seeking to resolve minor financial disputes without the need for attorneys. While municipalities or counties may have local small claims courts, the authority to set the limits comes from state law, which is why states are the correct entity associated with financial limits in small claims court matters.