Small Claims Court in New York

How this works in New York

New York courts apply both the U.S. Constitution and the New York Constitution to small claims court claims. When state protections are broader than federal ones, New York judges follow the state rule. When they are equal or narrower, federal precedent controls under the Supremacy Clause.

Federal framework

Federal cases governing small claims court include controlling U.S. Supreme Court decisions and binding precedent from the federal circuit covering New York. Civil remedies most often proceed under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, with defenses including qualified immunity.

Practical next steps

1. Write down every fact — dates, names, badge numbers, witnesses.
2. Preserve evidence: photos, video, medical records, receipts.
3. Note deadlines. Many civil rights claims have a 1–3 year statute of limitations.
4. Talk to a New York lawyer — the state bar referral service is free.