Hot Bench Season 8 Episode 23 Not Fit for Humans
- October 14, 2021
Not fit for Humans is the 23rd episode of Hot Bench Season 8; a daily legal program aired on CBS television. The show features a panel of three judges who preside over real-life cases, utilizing their extensive legal experience to deliver fair and decisive verdicts. In this episode, the panel adjudicates a case involving a dangerous dog that has injured multiple people.
The story revolves around a vicious pitbull named Blue, owned by the defendant, Mr. Gomez. Over the years, Blue has attacked and bitten several people, including a young girl, a neighbor, and a delivery person. The plaintiff, Ms. Johnson, had the misfortune of encountering Blue on a sunny day while walking her small dog. Without any provocation, Blue attacked Ms. Johnson and her pet, causing serious injuries that required medical attention.
Ms. Johnson filed a lawsuit against Mr. Gomez, seeking damages for pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages. On the other hand, Mr. Gomez maintains that Blue is a loving and friendly dog and that Ms. Johnson provoked the recent attack. He also argues that the injuries were not severe enough to warrant the requested damages.
The three judges, Tanya Acker, Patricia DiMango, and Michael Corriero, listen attentively to the testimony of both parties and scrutinize the evidence presented. They also hear from several witnesses, including the neighbors, the dog trainer, and the animal control officer. The judges examine the circumstances under which the attack occurred, including whether Ms. Johnson was on the defendant's property and whether Blue had any prior history of violent behavior.
As the case unfolds, the judges begin to uncover some surprising revelations. They learn that Mr. Gomez had been warned several times about Blue's aggression and that he had ignored these warnings. They also discover that Blue had already been declared a dangerous dog by the state authorities and that Mr. Gomez had failed to comply with the regulations for controlling and confining the dog.
The judges express their dismay and concern at the defendant's blatant disregard for the safety of his neighbors and the public at large. They note that owning a dangerous dog is a serious responsibility, and that Mr. Gomez had not fulfilled his obligations. They also point out that the severity of Ms. Johnson's injuries and the emotional trauma inflicted on her were not to be trivialized.
The discussion among the judges is lively and engaging, with each judge bringing their unique perspective and legal expertise to the table. They examine the nuances of the case, including the factors that led to the attack, the defendant's response to the incident, and the nature of the damages requested by the plaintiff.
In the end, the judges deliver a verdict that reflects their analysis of the evidence presented. They find that Blue is indeed a dangerous dog and that Mr. Gomez had not taken sufficient steps to control and contain the animal. They rule in favor of Ms. Johnson, awarding her the requested damages and underscoring the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Not Fit for Humans is an engaging and thought-provoking episode of Hot Bench that highlights the complexities of personal injury law and the challenges of balancing the interests of pet owners with those of the wider community. The judges deliver a fair and impartial verdict that underscores the importance of accountability and responsibility in owning a pet.