NCJ Number
108734
Date Published
1985
Length
26 pages
Annotation
This paper identifies potential issues to be examined in an evaluation of the New Zealand Small Claims Tribunals.
Abstract
The major objective of these tribunals is to provide low cost, speedy, and commonsense justice to the ordinary person. Evaluation should center on how well these objectives are being met. Specifically, research could examine the characteristics of users, the time needed to resolve claims, clients' reactions to the conciliatory approach, the perceived fairness of settlements, and the impact on the community and on the small claims caseload of the district court. Additional research questions could address jurisdictional issues such as type of cases to be heard, the monetary limit on cases, and the right of business to use tribunals for debt collection. Other issues for examination include the understanding and practice of mediation and arbitration, informality of procedures, accountability, privacy, and grounds for appeal. Attention also should be given to the selection and training of referees, referrals to and from the district court, enforcement of orders, and public awareness and use of the tribunals. 11 notes and references.