
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 lent money to his daughter and her husband but received only partial repayment before being blocked; they acknowledge the loan but say he harassed them and insist they owe nothing.

A mobile home buyer says he's still owed money after a deal fell apart; the seller argues that a new buyer repaid him and settled everything.

A car buyer says the sellers increased the car's price at the last minute, misled her during the sale and refused to cover basic repairs; they say they paid for a smog check and a car part and continued to assist her despite the "as-is" condition.

A truck sale between stepsisters stalls over unpaid cash, impound drama and secondhand smoke; one wants her money back, while the other wants her family back -- but neither is getting the truck back.