<P> Trial by jury is seldom or never conducted in small - claims courts; it is typically excluded by the statute establishing the court . Similarly, equitable remedies such as injunctions, including protective orders, are seldom available from small - claims courts . </P> <P> Separate family courts may exist to hear simple cases in family law . For reasons having more to do with history than with the sort of case typically heard by a small - claims court, most US states do not allow domestic relations disputes in small - claims court . </P> <P> Winning in small - claims court does not automatically ensure payment in recompense of a plaintiff's damages . This may be relatively easy, in the case of a dispute against an insured party, or extremely difficult, in the case of an uncooperative, transient, or indigent defendant . The judgment may be collected through wage garnishment and liens . </P> <P> Most courts encourage parties with disputes to seek alternative dispute resolution, if possible, before filing suit . For example, the Superior Court of California, Santa Clara provides guidelines for resolving disputes out of court . Both parties can agree on arbitration by a third party to settle their dispute outside of court, though while small - claims court judgments can still be appealed, arbitration awards cannot . </P>

Which president of the united states is responsible for the development of small claims courts