
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 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.

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 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.

A moving-day mishap turns into a heavyweight courtroom battle: a customer says movers left a trail of damage and missing possessions, but the company owner insists the claims are loaded with exaggeration; it's up to the judges to sort through this truckload of accusations.