What role do disbursements play in the context of the simplified procedure?

In the context of the simplified procedure, disbursements play a significant role as they are intended to compensate parties for trial-related expenses incurred during the litigation process. Disbursements refer to the out-of-pocket expenses that a party may need to pay to pursue a claim, such as fees for expert witnesses, court filing fees, and costs for obtaining documents or transcripts.

Under the simplified procedure, which is designed to provide a more straightforward and cost-effective means of resolving disputes in lower-value claims, the recovery of disbursements is an essential aspect. This allows parties to mitigate some of the financial impacts associated with litigation, ensuring they can reasonably recover the necessary expenses incurred while preparing and presenting their cases. By recognizing disbursements in this way, the simplified procedure aims to support equitable access to justice without placing an undue burden on individuals and smaller claimants.

The other options do not accurately capture the purpose and function of disbursements in this context. Disbursements are not merely additional costs or irrelevant to the simplified procedure; rather, they are a vital mechanism for ensuring that parties can recoup the reasonable expenses necessary to bring their cases to trial.