Sec. 6. (a) The filing of a claim on the small claims docket is considered a waiver of trial by jury.

     (b) The defendant may, not later than ten (10) days following service of the complaint in a small claims case, demand a trial by jury by filing an affidavit that:

Terms Used In Indiana Code 33-31-2-6

  • Affidavit: A written statement of facts confirmed by the oath of the party making it, before a notary or officer having authority to administer oaths.
  • Complaint: A written statement by the plaintiff stating the wrongs allegedly committed by the defendant.
  • Defendant: In a civil suit, the person complained against; in a criminal case, the person accused of the crime.
  • Docket: A log containing brief entries of court proceedings.
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.
(1) states that there are questions of fact requiring a trial by jury;

(2) specifies those questions of fact; and

(3) states that the demand is in good faith.

     (c) Notice of the defendant’s right to a jury trial, and the ten (10) day period in which to file for a jury trial, must be clearly stated on the notice of claim or on an additional sheet to be served with the notice of claim on the defendant.

     (d) Upon the deposit of seventy dollars ($70) in the small claims docket by the defendant, the court shall transfer the claim to the plenary docket. Upon transfer, the claim then loses its status as a small claim.

As added by P.L.201-2011, SEC.30.