Written from the judge"s point of view, California Judges Benchbook provides the law and procedures needed by judicial officers and pro tem judges who handle matters in small claims court and consumer law. This book was prepared under the direction of the Small Claims Benchbook Judicial Planning Committee, and published in cooperation with the California Center for Judicial Education and Research (CJER). It explores the philosophy of small claims law, how to prepare a small claims case, matters to be dealt with at the beginning of a case, and issues faced while conducting the trial. The text also examines: Consumer protection laws; Landlord-tenant issues; Damage and interest claims; Equitable relief; Judgments; Proceedings after judgment, including appeal