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HomeCode of Civil ProcedurePRELIMINARY PROVI...Pt. 1Ch. 5.1Art. 1§ 87 Small Claims Jurisdiction Rules

§ 87 Small Claims Jurisdiction Rules

Code of Civil Procedure·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 87 Small Claims Jurisdiction Rules

Key Takeaways

  • •Small claims cases go to the small claims division if they fit the rules for small claims.
  • •If there's a conflict between small claims rules and regular civil case rules, the small claims rules win.
  • •This section doesn't change any other rules about what the small claims division can handle.

Example

You lend your friend $2,000, and they refuse to pay you back.

You can take them to small claims court if the amount fits the small claims rules. The small claims rules will be used, not the regular court rules, even if they are different.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 87 Small Claims Jurisdiction Rules

(a) A limited civil case may be brought in the small claims division if the case is within the jurisdiction of the small claims division as otherwise provided by statute. Where a statute or rule applicable to a small claims case conflicts with a statute or rule applicable to a limited civil case, the statute or rule applicable to a small claims case governs the small claims case and the statute or rule applicable to a limited civil case does not. (b) Nothing in this section affects the jurisdiction of the small claims division as otherwise provided by statute. (Added by Stats. 1999, Ch. 344, Sec. 3. Effective September 7, 1999.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

limited civil casesmall claims divisionjurisdictionstatute

Related Statutes

  • § 85 Limited Civil Case Criteria
  • § 86.1 Long-Term Care Civil Penalties
  • § 88 Unlimited Civil Case Definition
  • § 89 Court Authority In Civil Cases
  • § 86 Limited Civil Case Scope

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Code of Civil Procedure. Section 87.
View Official Source