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 Idaho, small claims courts are part of the state's judicial system and are intended for the resolution of minor disputes where the claim does not exceed a certain financial threshold. As of the knowledge cutoff in 2023, the jurisdictional limit for small claims in Idaho is $5,000. This means that individuals can bring forward cases involving up to $5,000 without the need for an attorney, as these courts are designed for parties to represent themselves (pro se). Common types of cases handled in Idaho's small claims courts include debt recovery and landlord-tenant disputes. While some states may use the term 'Justices of the Peace' for the judges in these courts, in Idaho, they are typically referred to as magistrates. It is important to note that the specific procedures and rules for small claims courts can vary within the state, so it is advisable to check with the local court for detailed information.