VOTE411 Voter Guide

*** Candidate comments were not requested for this race.***Small Claims Court Judge The Small Claims Court allows every citizen to bring a lawsuit in an informal manner and does not require that a party hire an attorney. Small Claims Court is designed to provide quick and easy access to the courts for persons with legal grievances when their claims for damages do not exceed $10,000.Qualifications: Be a United States citizen upon taking officeEither: Have resided in the township from which the candidate is elected for at least one (1) year upon taking office; orHave been elected as a small claims court judge in the township before 1999;Be of high moral character and reputation; andBe admitted to the practice of law in Indiana upon filing a declaration of candidacy or petition of nomination or upon the filing of a certificate of candidate selection under IC 3-13-1-15 or IC 3-13-2-8.Term: Four years.Duties: A judge may:· Administer oaths;· Take and certify acknowledgements of deeds; and· Give all necessary certificates for the authentication of the records and proceedings of the small claims court.· Issue and direct all process to individuals and corporations necessary to exercise the jurisdiction of the court;· Make all proper judgment, sentences, decrees, and orders; and· Do all acts necessary or proper in conformity with state laws;Salary: The annual salary of a judge who is the judge of a full-time court is equal to seventy-five percent (75%) of the minimum salary paid by the state to the Marion County circuit court judge. The salary of a judge may not be reduced during the judge's term of office.