MovieChat Forums > The People's Court (1997) Discussion > 8/11/16 - Case Limit?

8/11/16 - Case Limit?

posted 9 years ago by subteacher8609
5 replies | jump to latest

On today's show (8/11/16), there was a case involving a car. The plaintiff was suing for close to $10,000 for the cost of the car/improvements to the car/balance the defendant had yet to pay (or something like that). Isn't the maximum on court shows like this $5,000? Curious as to how the plaintiff could sue for nearly twice that amount. The judgement went in favor of the plaintiff, but for nowhere near the original amount - he was awarded no more than $700.

[–] Gubbio 9 years ago

Isn't the maximum on court shows like this $5,000? Curious as to how the plaintiff could sue for nearly twice that amount.

Every once in a while, I hear an exorbitant claim like that.

However, I think they can sue for what is allowed in THEIR JURISDICTION, where the "real" case would be heard. Seems to me I heard this years ago.

I don't think $5,000 is a blanket ceiling for every case on a TV court.

[–] Ruthie09 9 years ago

It also varies by state.

[–] Gubbio 9 years ago

It also varies by state.

That's what I meant by "jurisdiction."

[–] Ruthie09 9 years ago

Ah. 

[–] mcolby-125-523976 8 years ago

There's a couple states that allow you to go as high as $15,000 and some that won't let you get anymore then $1500.