Much as we'd like the judges and clerks to follow the law they are supposed to enforce, and much as we'd like the landlord's lawyers to act ethically and not attempt dirty tricks, alas! tenants spend more energy trying to get the judge and clerks to follow the law and undoing the landlord's lawyer's dirty tricks than is spent in the real litigation.

Most common is the default and lockout notice from the Sheriff, as the first thing you know about the case. Second most common is the clerks prematurely entering your default and judgment just because the landlord's lawyer asks them to. Third is the mistaken or deliberate violation of the law by the judge or commissioner, being the landlord's puppet, rather than a bench officer with integrity and respect for the law.

In these cases, YOU have to correct their mistakes and tactics, using the special procedures and papers provided in this section. You will be guided as to which of these to use in your prior consultation with the attorney.