
Many popular court shows are on TV. How can the genre improve? How about using a three-judge panel? That's the concept of "Hot Bench," created by Judge Judy Sheindlin. After hearing each case, the judges discuss it among themselves before rendering a verdict. The show's title comes from a term describing a court action in which a judge frequently interrupts lawyers with questions.

The plaintiff says the defendant offered to be her surrogate, requested loans for living expenses, then reneged on the arrangement; the defendant says the plaintiff offered to help with bills, but it all fell apart when the plaintiff lost her job.

The plaintiff says the defendant's pit bull savagely attacked her terrier, leading to fatal injuries; the defendant says his dog is being falsely accused without proof.

A mom hires a designer to make the perfect prom dress -- but the dress becomes a no-show.

A teen mom-to-be claims she loaned money to her then boyfriend and was never repaid; he argues the money was to support their life together.