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In Small Claims Court, what is the role of an attorney during the proceedings?
The attorney must remain quiet except when consulting
You are limited to one attorney
You cannot consult with an attorney in Small Claims Court
The attorney is limited to 10 minutes of bench time
The correct answer is: You cannot consult with an attorney in Small Claims Court
In Small Claims Court, the role of an attorney is indeed quite different from that in other court settings. The correct understanding regarding the presence of an attorney is that individuals representing themselves can consult with an attorney outside of the courtroom but, typically, attorneys do not participate directly in the proceedings. This means that while a party may seek legal advice or consultation before or after the hearing, the attorney cannot actively represent the client during the hearing itself. This framework is designed to keep Small Claims Court accessible and straightforward, allowing individuals to navigate the legal process without needing formal representation. This approach helps to expedite the process and reduces the complexity often associated with legal proceedings. It also encourages self-representation, which is consistent with the purpose of Small Claims Court to resolve disputes involving smaller amounts of money in a more informal setting.