Fees for processing actions in the Small Claims Branch shall be set as the court prescribes. The judge sitting in the Branch may waive the prepayment of costs or the payment of costs accruing during the action upon the sworn statement of the plaintiff or upon other satisfactory evidence of his inability to pay the costs. When costs are so waived the notation to be made on the records of the Branch shall be “Prepayment of costs waived,” or “Costs waived.” The term “pauper” or “in forma pauperis” may not be employed in the Branch. If a party fails to pay accrued costs, though able to do so, the judge may deny him the right to file a new case in the Branch while the costs remain unpaid, and likewise deny him the right to proceed further in any case pending in the Branch.
CREDIT(S)
(Dec. 23, 1963, 77 Stat. 610, Pub. L. 88-241, § 1; July 29, 1970, 84 Stat. 564, Pub. L. 91-358, title I, § 145(p)(4); July 23, 1992, D.C. Law 9-134, § 104, 39 DCR 4066; Sept. 10, 1992, D.C. Law 9-145, § 104, 39 DCR 4895.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Prior Codifications
1981 Ed., § 16-3903.
1973 Ed., § 16-3903.
Legislative History of Laws
Law 9-134, the “Omnibus Budget Support Temporary Act of 1992,” was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 9-485. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings on April 7, 1992, and May 6, 1992, respectively. Approved without the signature of the Mayor on May 29, 1992, it was assigned Act No. 9-219 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 9-134 became effective on July 23, 1992.
Law 9-145, the “Omnibus Budget Support Act of 1992,” was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 9-222, which was referred to the Committee of the Whole. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings on May 12, 1992, and June 2, 1992, respectively. Approved without the signature of the Mayor on June 22, 1992, it was assigned Act No. 9-225 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 9-145 became effective on September 10, 1992.