
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 says his tenant left behind unpaid rent and havoc, while the tenant says the roommates made his life miserable.

A birthday getaway turns costly when an aunt says she covered the trip for her niece and even bailed her out after arrest; she says her niece promised repayment but never followed through, while the niece says her aunt was already paid back! Who is bluffing in this high-stakes family showdown?

A promoter says the married owners of an event space canceled on him days before the event, forcing him to issue refunds; he blames them, while they blame his lack of a liquor license; with spirits high and permits low, this clash is ready to fizz over!