Rule 144.01 Trials - Informal

Small claims court trials are meant to be simple and relaxed. You don't need to follow the strict, formal rules that you'd see in a regular courtroom. The judge will run things in a way that's easy for regular people to understand, even if they don't have a lawyer.

This means you can explain your side of the story in plain language. You don't have to know special legal terms or courtroom procedures to present your case. The goal is to make it easier for everyday people to settle small disputes without needing to hire an attorney or learn complicated court rules.