
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.

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.

A landlord accuses an ex-tenant of being chronically late on rent, skipping out on the last two months and leaving behind a trail of destruction; the defendant says the plaintiff was rude, uncooperative and secretive about the security deposit.

A neighborly favor turns sour when a backyard mechanic says he's owed money for car repairs; the defendant insists the work left him with damaged tires and unexpected costs.

Three judges argue the merits of a case among themselves and render a verdict.