What is a primary characteristic of small claims court?

A primary characteristic of small claims court is that it typically doesn't allow lawyers to represent litigants. This feature is designed to make the process more accessible and cost-effective for individuals who may not be able to afford legal representation. Small claims courts aim to simplify the legal process, enabling parties to present their cases directly to a judge without the complexities of formal legal procedures.

This characteristic encourages personal involvement and can expedite the resolution of disputes, as the focus is on delivering justice quickly rather than navigating intricate legal technicalities. The other options—extensive legal proceedings, only hearing criminal cases, and limiting cases to those over $10,000—do not align with the fundamental purpose and structure of small claims court, which is intended to handle lower-value civil disputes efficiently.