ASSEMBLYMEMBER TED LIEU
53RD ASSEMBLY DISTRICT
For Immediate Release: April 14, 2008
Contact: Ashlie Simpson
Phone: (916) 319-2053

Assembly Approves Lieu Bill to Increase Access to Small Claims Court

Sacramento, CA – Today, the Assembly overwhelmingly approved AB 1873 (Assemblymember Ted Lieu, D-Torrance), which increases access to Small Claims Court by authorizing the court to allow a party or witness in a small claims action to appear by telephone. 

"Litigants in small claims actions must factor in the costs of traveling and appearing at a courthouse," said Assemblymember Lieu.  "In some circumstances, the requirement to personally appear is so burdensome and at a cost greater than the amount being contended, that it defeats the purpose of small claims court as an accessible forum for the resolution of minor civil disputes."

AB 1873 would authorize the court, in its discretion and upon a showing of good cause why a party or witness cannot appear in person at the small claims hearing, to allow a party or witness to appear by telephone.  AB 1873 will foster the resolution of small claims disputes by improving accessibility and will promote greater consistency in small claims courts statewide.  This bill is similar to AB 500 (Lieu) from last year, which allowed parties to participate in certain civil hearings and proceedings via telephones.

“We commend Assembly Member Lieu for his leadership in improving access to the courts by promoting the use of telephonic appearances, which will save time and money for both litigants and the courts,” said Daniel Pone, Senior Attorney, Judicial Council’s Office of Governmental Affairs.

The bill is sponsored by the Judicial Council of California and is supported by the California Alliance for Consumer Protection and the California Alliance for Retired Americans. 

The bill now proceeds to the Senate.