The small claims procedure is now seen as a convenient way to tackle the current crisis in civil justice, and with a massive increase in the small claims limit from 1,000 to 3,000, small claims is big judicial business. This book is based on the most extensive research on small claims procedures ever conducted in the United Kingdom. The author had privileged access to the district judges who conduct claim hearings, and the book is the first to include lengthy extracts from tape recorded interviews conducted with them. It also includes discussion of interviews with litigants, including many...

The study of valvular heart disease has progressed rapidly over the past two decades. The understanding of etiology and natural history, the precision of noninvasive assessment, and the surgical and interventional management of valve disease have all improved dramatically. Coupled with an appreciation of physiologic principles, thoughtful interviews and physical exam, current technology allows clinicians to characterize all types of valve lesion. In addition, evolving techniques in interventional cardiology and cardiac surgery, guided by quantitative outcome analysis, have reduced the...