Date of Award
4-2005
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Communication
First Advisor
Dr. Keith M. Hearit
Second Advisor
Dr. Heather Addison
Third Advisor
Dr. Kathleen Propp
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
Building on Hasian's examination of Jurisprudence as performance and Nolan's research of performance in drug courts, this study looks at Small Claims Court as cultural performance through the examination of face-to-face interactions in the courtroom. They are evaluated through the metaphoric lens of Tumer's social drama as well as integrating the legal metaphors of law as grid, energy, and perspective. This study found that the court uses scripts to limit issues and that claimants are rewarded more for following the rules of the court rather than resolving the conflict. Additionally, Small Claims Court exacerbates conflict between low-income tenants and the landlords who rent to them by tacitly sponsoring predatory practices of the landlord. This support tends to disenfranchise poor tenants, especially African Americans. Mediation is suggested as an alternative to court.
Recommended Citation
Muhme, Michael E., "Any Given Tuesday: Performance of Law During Small Claims Court" (2005). Masters Theses. 4105.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/4105