Petition · past parliament · Ministry of Justice
Create an absolute right to appeal judgements in 'small claims court' cases
Closed
69 signatures
What the petition asks
To allow anyone to appeal a 'small claims court' case ruling. Currently you need permission to appeal and this can only be on a point of law not of fact. There should be an opportunity to appeal and have a case to be reviewed by a 2nd Judge.
We believe this change is needed to ensure people feel they have had a fair trial, as per their rights under the Human Rights Act.
I was taken to court over my cat but though I disagreed with the judgement I had no right to appeal.
In the criminal courts the burden of proof is higher, and rights to appeal a judgement are less restrictive.
In a 'small claims court' case where the standard of proof is on the balance of probabilities there is no right to appeal if you disagree with the original judgement. I strongly feel that there should be a right to have case reviewed by a second Judge if someone does want to appeal.
I was taken to court over my cat but though I disagreed with the judgement I had no right to appeal.
In the criminal courts the burden of proof is higher, and rights to appeal a judgement are less restrictive.
In a 'small claims court' case where the standard of proof is on the balance of probabilities there is no right to appeal if you disagree with the original judgement. I strongly feel that there should be a right to have case reviewed by a second Judge if someone does want to appeal.
Timeline
| 31 Jan 2023 | Petition opened for signatures |
| 31 Jul 2023 | Closed to new signatures |
Key facts
Signatures
69
Status
Closed
Department
Ministry of Justice
Opened
31 Jan 2023
Closed
31 Jul 2023
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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.