Learning
Courts
Who does what, and which door you walk through.
The County Court handles most civil disputes, including the small claims track for lower-value claims. The Magistrates' Court handles most criminal cases at first instance plus some council matters. Tribunals handle employment, immigration, tax and some property disputes.
The small claims track is designed for people without lawyers. Costs are limited, procedure is simplified, and hearings are often short and informal.
Before you get near a court, you are expected to have tried to resolve it. That expectation is written into pre-action protocols, and judges notice when it was ignored.
Key points
- County Court: civil disputes and small claims.
- Tribunals: employment, property, tax — different rules, shorter deadlines.
- Pre-action protocols expect a letter before claim first.
- Small claims costs are limited, which lowers the risk.
You’re safe. You’re capable. You’re legally unstoppable.