
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 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.

An estate cleaner says a moldy mess turned into a money fight after his client refused to pay up; she says he dragged out the job, swiped valuables and trashed her reputation.

A tenant says she left her rental exactly how she found it, while the landlady says the damages were abundant and outrageous.

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.