F E A T U R E A R T I C L E J u d g e M i c h a e l B a g g é - H e r n á n d e z – T h i r t e e n t h J u d i c i a l C i r c u i t C o u r t
BridgingJusticeacrossBorders : aLetteroffriendship andavisionforChile ’ sfutureSmallClaimsCourts
astheirvisitconcluded , theChileansdepartedwithmorethanjustdocumentsand scribblednotesintheirfolders . theyleftwithavisionofwhatsmallclaimsjustice couldlooklike : efficient , empathetic , andgroundedinabeliefthateveryone deservesafairhearing , regardlessofthesizeoftheirdispute .
In december 2024 , as Tampa settled into its characteristic holiday calm , a quiet yet significant international encounter unfolded within the halls of the Thirteenth Judicial Circuit courthouse . Unlike the large-scale events that sometimes draw global headlines , this gathering was more modest , but no less meaningful . A delegation of Chilean judges and legal scholars had arrived with a singular purpose : to study how Florida handles small claims cases and , with the lessons learned , to influence constitutional changes back home . The ultimate goal was to establish a new system of small claims courts in Chile — a form of accessible , efficient justice that could simplify everyday legal disputes for ordinary citizens .
At first glance , the world of small claims might seem unremarkable . These cases often involve modest sums , everyday conflicts , and parties who might not even think of themselves as “ litigants ” in a traditional sense . disputes might concern unpaid invoices , minor contractual disagreements , or routine property damage . Yet for the individuals caught in these conflicts , the stakes can feel immensely personal . They come to court seeking more than just a legal remedy : they want clear answers and a sense of fairness without incurring the burdensome costs and delays associated with more complex litigation . This is precisely what the Chilean visitors hoped to witness and learn from Florida ’ s example .
pictured from left to right : professor Ema Salinas-Fernández , Judge Mirko Bonačić-Dorić , Chief Judge Christopher Sabella , Judge Michael Baggé-Hernández , and Judge renée rivero-Hurtado .
over the course of several days , the Chilean delegation immersed themselves in the daily workings of Tampa ’ s small claims process . They watched as judges , lawyers , and court staff patiently explained procedures , ensuring that even those unfamiliar with the legal system understood their rights and responsibilities . They took note of how mediation was integrated early in the process , encouraging parties to speak openly , negotiate , and settle their disputes swiftly . In many instances , litigants who might have expected a drawn-out battle instead found them selves reaching agree ments in a matter of hours . For the Chileans — who were considering how to adapt such methods — the idea that a large number of everyday conflicts could be handled this smoothly was precisely the kind of real-world example they needed .
Although their visit was driven by practical goals , there was a sense of quiet inspiration that came from seeing theory put into practice . The delegation asked questions : How were judges trained to handle such a large number of cases with such clarity ? What guidelines ensured that the smallest claims received the same consistent attention as larger suits ? How did court administrators manage the workflow so efficiently ? Each answer , each insight , and each observation painted a clearer picture of a model
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