Small claims courts are included in each state’s court system and are designed for the resolution of disputes involving a limited dollar amount—and for the parties to the dispute to represent themselves (pro se). Small claims courts are often referred to as the People’s Court, and some states such as California prohibit attorneys from representing parties in small claims court. The limit on the amount of money in dispute (the jurisdictional limit) varies from state to state within a range of $2,500 to $25,000—but is usually between $5,000 and $15,000. The disputes filed in small claims courts are often seeking to recover a debt or involving residential landlord-tenant disputes. Judges in small claims courts in some states are called Justices of the Peace, and the courts are sometimes referred to as JP courts.

In Georgia, small claims courts are known as Magistrate Courts, and they handle cases where the disputed amount is $15,000 or less. These courts are designed to be accessible to the general public, allowing individuals to represent themselves without the need for an attorney, which is known as 'pro se' representation. However, unlike some states such as California, Georgia does not prohibit attorneys from representing parties in small claims court. Parties can choose to hire an attorney if they wish. The types of cases typically heard in Georgia's Magistrate Courts include, but are not limited to, disputes over debts, personal property, and landlord-tenant issues. The process is meant to be simple, informal, and expeditious, allowing for a quicker resolution than in higher courts. Judges preside over the proceedings, and there is no use of the title 'Justice of the Peace' in the state's small claims court system.