what are the 'court of petty sessions'?

Answer 1

Definition

The origin is English. The name Petty Sessions was conferred by a statute of 1826 to sessions of Justices held to supervise the lists of persons qualified to serve on juries. The powers of the sessions were later enlarged to deal with crimes of a petty nature.

As originally constituted in England, periodically two or more Justices sat within certain districts and executed functions conferred by their Commissions or by Statute.

In Jamaica, Petty Sessions Courts were established by the British. They are presided over by Justices of the Peace. Usually two or more Justices sit; one Justice may, however, sit with the consent of the parties appearing or where no statute provides otherwise. A Petty Sessions Court can now be referred to as a Lay Magistrate's Court.

A Resident Magistrate may sit alone and preside over any matter falling within the jurisdiction of Petty Sessions.

Function of Petty Sessions

In Courts of Petty Sessions, Justices exercise summary criminal jurisdiction over a wide range of matters. These matters are assigned to Petty Sessions by statute.

Therefore, on any matter coming before the court for hearing, the court must satisfy itself that it has statutory jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter. This done by referring to the statute creating the offence.

Courts of Petty Sessions are, under the Justices of the Peace Jurisdiction Act, empowered to hold Preliminary Examinations into indictable offences. However, this power has been superseded by section 64 of the Judicature Resident Magistrates to hold preliminary examinations into charges of indictable offences. The result is that Justices of the Peace do not hold preliminary examinations...

Answer 2

That would be small claims court. In my state ( Arizona ) one can sue to a maximum of 3000 dollars.

Answer 3

At a guess, it would be something like a small claims court, where minor matters were handled somewhat informally.

What state/province/country are you referencing?