Page 8 November 2011 This month’s report from Judge Sarkis When I’m out and about, one of the questions people often ask me is, “What does a justice of the peace do?” It should fi rst be noted that each Maricopa County Justice Court encompasses a speci fi c part of the county. As such, some courts have more of one type of case and less of another. In terms of volume, eviction cases are most common in the Arcadia Biltmore court. Eviction cases can arise for a variety of reasons, such as violence or drug use on the property and various other forms of non-compliance with the lease agreement. However, eviction matters are most typically fi led when a tenant fails to timely pay rent. Also very common in my court are small claims and civil lawsuits. Small claims cases have a maximum limit of $2,500 while civil lawsuits cannot be higher than $10,000. The bulk of these civil and small claims fi lings include past-due assessments such as those involving HOAs, credit cards and delinquent car payments. Civil lawsuits also encompass nearly anything the mind can think of. I have quickly come to the realization that people will try to sue each other for just about anything. I recently had a case in which an individual tried to sue his insurance company because he left his “property” in someone else’s vehicle and since he could no longer locate this person or their vehicle he thought it only fair that his insurance company cover his losses. After a brief cross examination it was revealed that this individual’s “property” was not exactly legal in the State of Arizona without a doctor’s medicinal prescription. Needless to say, the case was quickly dismissed. In the Arcadia Biltmore Justice Court, some of our most interesting cases also get turned over to Judge Judy. No kidding. A few times a year we receive a big pink sheet of paper stating that both parties have stipulated to have their case heard by TV’s Honorable Judge Judy. So to my dismay, Judge Judy continues to steal all the fun cases. All kidding aside, the Justice Courts also handle civil and criminal traf fi c violations, ranging from common speeding violations to DUI. Protective orders, including orders of protection, injunctions against harassment and injunctions against workplace harassment also are handled by justice court. The difference between an order of protection and injunction against harassment involves the type of relationship between the individuals in the case. Continued on page 11 Creating a culture of honor in your family , workplace & community . N E W S E R I E S B E G I N S I N N OV E M B E R Sunday Evening Service – 5:05pm Dinner follows service – no charge Kid's Program – Infant through 6th Grade Meeting at First Chinese Baptist Church 4910 E. Earll • Phoenix, AZ 85018 lance@livingstreams.org • 602.740.2511 Culture of Honor

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