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 North Carolina, small claims courts are part of the state's court system and are intended for the resolution of minor disputes involving money or property. The jurisdictional limit for small claims in North Carolina is typically $10,000. This means that the court can handle cases where the amount in dispute does not exceed this limit. Common types of cases heard in small claims courts include debt recovery, landlord-tenant disputes, and property damage claims. In North Carolina, small claims cases are heard by a magistrate, and while parties are allowed to represent themselves (pro se), they also have the option to be represented by an attorney. The process is designed to be relatively informal and accessible, allowing individuals to seek justice without the need for extensive legal knowledge or representation.