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| Date: | May 7, 2012 | | Contact Name: | Peter Winiecki | | Contact Phone: | 651-297-8077 | | Contact Email: | peter.winiecki@senate.mn | | For Immediate Release | |
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| SENATOR ORTMAN INCREASES ACCESS TO JUSTICE AT LOWER COSTS New law increases conciliation claim court limit to $10,000 in 2012 and to $15,000 in 2014 |
St. Paul --- Deputy Majority Leader Julianne Ortman (R-Chanhassen) issued the following statement upon receiving Governor Dayton’s support for a new law that increases the limits for conciliation court claims:
“As all who have ever been in Minnesota’s justice system know, our courts are busy, over-burdened, and the time to trial can be lengthy. The new law provides more cost-effective resolution of disputes and increases access to justice. Adjusting this jurisdiction level also will reduce the cost of doing business in Minnesota,” said Senator Ortman.
Conciliation Court is the fastest court in Minnesota -- it is an informal venue where litigants can seek quick and inexpensive review of disputes of less than $7,500. As of August 1st, the limit will be increased to $10,000 and will adjust to $15,000 in 2014. In this venue, neither party is required to have an attorney, which makes the process more cost-effective. This new law provides equal access to justice since many Minnesotans cannot afford to bring their disputes to the District Court.
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