DMBM678020 - Summary Proceedings (Sc): Small claims - court hearings: Preparing your case for the (preliminary) hearing
Some content of this manual is being considered for archiving. If there is content you use regularly, please email hmrcmanualsteam@hmrc.gov.uk to let us know as soon as possible.
The hearing will normally be conducted in a very informal manner unlike the more formal procedure used for summary causes. Even so you should bear in mind however the points regarding your style of dress, conduct etc as detailed at DMBM676120 - 676160.
Both you and the defender will be given the opportunity to put your case to the court and hopefully resolve the matter by discussion.
As soon as you know that the defender intends to appear in court you should
- review your case papers thoroughly and try to obtain as much background information as you can
- be prepared to explain how your claim arose and answer any points raised by the defender or the sheriff/sheriff clerk using your knowledge of the relevant regulations and the information available to you.