Most of the Arctic is continental shelf, so most of it will eventually be allotted to one of the five neighbours (Iceland also has a small claim within the Arctic Circle).

Except for procedural efficiency, small claims' basic ideal is more concerned with the protection of parties and procedural interests. The ultimate aim of small claim is to achieve justice.

To cut the cost of claims, enhance the efficiency and realize the jurisdiction popularization, many countries and regions have modified or constructed small claim proceeding in recent years.