Section 1804 of the Uniform City Court Act sets forth the procedure to be followed when conducting a small claims trial. The court is required "to do substantial justice between the parties according to the rules of substantive law" (UCCA 1804; see Blair v Five Points Shopping Plaza, 51 AD2d 167 [3d Dept 1976]; Rowe v Silver & Gold Expressions, 107 AD3d 1090 [3d Dept 2013]). A small claims court is given wide latitude and discretion in the conduct of the proceedings (Buonomo v Stalker, 40 AD2d 733 [3d Dept 1972]). The trier of [*2]fact must make credibility determinations regarding the testimony of the parties and the evidence presented. A trial court judge has the opportunity to hear witnesses and observe their demeanor during testimony and to weigh the evidence (Ransom v Spacc, 57 Misc 3d 259 [Jamestown City Ct 2017]) and, accordingly, the determination of the trier of fact as to issues of credibility is given substantial deference since such opportunity affords a better perspective from which to assess witness credibility (see Vizzari v State of New York, 184 AD2d 564 [2d Dept 1992]).