§ 1802. Parts for the determination of small claims established. The
chief administrator shall assign the times and places for holding, and
the judges who shall hold, one or more parts of the court in each county
for the hearing of small claims as herein defined, and the rules may
regulate the practice and procedure controlling the determination of
such claims and prescribe and furnish the forms for instituting the
same. There shall be at least one evening session of each part every
month for the hearing of small claims, provided however, that the chief
administrator may provide for exemption from this requirement where
there exists no demonstrated need for evening sessions. Such practice,
procedure and forms shall differ from the practice, procedure and forms
used in the court for other than small claims, notwithstanding any
provision of law to the contrary. They shall constitute a simple,
informal and inexpensive procedure for the prompt determination of such
claims in accordance with the rules and principles of substantive law.
The procedure established pursuant to this article shall not be
exclusive of but shall be alternative to the procedure now or hereafter
established with respect to actions commenced in the court by the
service of a summons. No rule to be enacted pursuant to this article
shall dispense with or interfere with the taking of stenographic minutes
of any hearing of any small claim hereunder.