ORS 55.090
Appearance by parties and attorneys

  • witnesses

(1)

Except as may otherwise be provided by ORS 55.040 (Verification and prosecution of claim), no attorney at law nor any person other than the plaintiff and defendant shall become involved in or in any manner interfere with the prosecution or defense of the litigation in the department without the consent of the justice of the justice court, nor shall it be necessary to summon witnesses. But the plaintiff and defendant may offer evidence in their behalf by witnesses appearing at the hearing, and the justice may informally consult witnesses or otherwise investigate the controversy and give judgment or make such orders as the justice deems right, just and equitable for the disposition of the controversy.

(2)

Notwithstanding ORS 9.320 (Necessity for employment of attorney), a party that is not a natural person, state or any city, county, district or other political subdivision or public corporation in this state may appear as a party to any action in the department without appearance by attorney.

(3)

When spouses are both parties to an action, one spouse may appear on behalf of both spouses in mediation or litigation in the small claims department:

(a)

With the written consent of the other spouse; or

(b)

If the appearing spouse declares under penalty of perjury that the other spouse consents. [Amended by 1973 c.625 §4; 1987 c.158 §8; 1993 c.282 §3; 1997 c.808 §9; 2015 c.7 §4; 2017 c.268 §2]

Source: Section 55.090 — Appearance by parties and attorneys; witnesses, https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors055.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).

Current through early 2026

§ 55.090. Appearance by parties & attorneys's source at oregon​.gov