[jambutty]

Originally Posted by banjoman

Because its classed as an arbitration panel, if you refuse arbitration the case cannot be heard there so the plaintiff cannot get a ruling at all. Therefore you cannot be tried in a Sharia court unless you give express permission

The small claims court is to all intents and purposes an arbitration court where the Recorder will make a ruling based on whatever evidence is presented and statements by the two protagonists. But if the defendant does not turn up the plaintiff gets judgement.