Making small claims at S'pore State Courts: New gen AI-powered case-summarisation tool now in use

People involved in small claims cases at the Small Claims Tribunals (SCTs) can now use a generative AI-powered case-summarisation tool to better understand the key issues of their respective positions, legal arguments, and evidence in their disputes.

Launched to the public on Dec. 2, the tool is designed to help parties prepare and present their cases more effectively before the SCTs.

This is the latest feature on the the Community Justice and Tribunals System (CJTS) platform to enhance access to justice for self-represented persons, the Singapore Courts said in a press release.

Open house

The State Courts held an open house on Dec. 10, 2025, to mark the 40th anniversary of the SCTs.

The event attracted more than 300 attendees and offered a behind-the-scenes look at how the tribunals operate.

Visitors had the chance to try out SCT processes and join guided, interactive tours that showcased the full lifecycle of a case — from filing a claim on CJTS, to pre-trial consultation, and finally to the hearing before a Tribunal Magistrate.

Information booths by partners such as the Consumers Association of Singapore (CASE), the Singapore Academy of Law (SAL), and Pro Bono SG provided attendees with details on the support services available for small-value disputes.

Use of generative AI technology

In addition to the new case-summarisation tool, CJTS expanded its translation service in March 2025.

Parties in SCT cases can now use the AI-driven translation tool on the platform to translate case documents, such as witness statements and supporting evidence like emails into Chinese, Malay, or Tamil to help with case preparation and submissions.

Those looking to file a small claim can also find step-by-step guides online.

Common types of claims heard by the SCTs include those that involve the sale of goods, provision of services, or residential tenancy agreements not exceeding two years.

The claim limit of the SCTs is S$20,000 or S$30,000 if both parties consent to it.

Top photos by Reuben Nathan/Mothership