COSTS AWARDS. The new Small Claims Court rules permit an adjudicator to order a maximum of $500 in costs against a party for unreasonably bringing or defending an action. Under Rule 80, cost awards were based on the Rule 59 tariff and could thus be much greater.n March 14, 2009, it was announced that the Small Claims Court will be eliminated as part of budget cuts included in the 2009-2010 New Brunswick Budget.