It is designed to give both plaintiffs and defendants all the necessary information. Practical advice is given on all phases, from the first step of deciding whether or not the individual has a case, to subsequent steps of gathering evidence, arranging for witnesses, planning the courtroom presentation, and collecting the money. The book begins with a checklist of things to think out before initiating or defending a case and includes a glossary of definitions of legal jargon. It then suggests how to approach a breach of contract case, how to approach a case in which property has been damaged by the negligent or intentional acts of someone else, how to approach a personal injury case, and how to state a claim on court papers. Also discussed are the amount of a claim, the statute of limitations, settling of a dispute, suing, and the details of getting ready for court and understanding court procedure. Individual chapters describe particular kinds of cases, such as motor vehicle repair, motor vehicle purchase, debts, and landlord-tenant cases. Other chapters outline details of judgment and appeal and discuss improving small claims court. An appendix contains Small Claims Court rules for the 50 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Twenty references and a subject index are provided.