Indiana

Order In the Small Claims Court

By Abdul Hakim-Shabazz

Lawrence Township Trustee Mike Hobbs wants to privatize the township’s small claims courts.

At the Lawrence Township Trustee’s office, we’ve carefully studied our options and evaluated various means to lower the cost of our services and make our level of government less affected by the whims of the governor.  This study lead us to a simple solution; auction the rights to operate the small claims court.  Private small claims courts have a long history.  In 16th and 17th century England, skilled magistrates were paid by private individuals to settle disputes.  Fairness and knowledge were rewarded by higher rates paid by the parties.  The market created a better court system.

At present, the small court is a bloated government entity in which elected officials get rich by servings evictions and other courts orders.  So far in 2008, the Lawrence Township Constable has made well over $200,000 by serving orders.  With a more efficient court model and better staff, the small claims court could be a profitable enterprise for a private firm.  The Lawrence Township Trustee believes that this model will change the small claims court from a burden on taxpayers to tax relief.

Now if only we could only privatize the rest of township government.

Full post as published by Indiana Barrister on October 14, 2008 (boomark / email).