Judge Mathis Season 18 Episode 1 Episode 1

Judge Mathis is an American reality courtroom series that has been on the air since 1998. The show features former district court judge Greg Mathis presiding over small claims cases in front of a live studio audience. Season 18 episode 1, titled "Episode 1," is the premiere of the 18th season of the show.

The episode begins with Judge Mathis entering the courtroom to the sounds of applause from the audience. He greets the audience and introduces the first case of the day. The case involves two former friends who have a disagreement over a loan that was not paid back.

The plaintiff, a young man named David, claims that he loaned the defendant, his former friend Derrick, $1,000 to help him pay for a car. David alleges that Derrick promised to pay him back the money with interest but failed to do so. David says that he has tried to work with Derrick to come up with a payment plan, but Derrick has refused to make payments.

Derrick, on the other hand, claims that he never agreed to pay David back with interest. He says that he did borrow the money from David but had every intention of paying him back. However, he claims that he lost his job and was unable to make payments.

Judge Mathis listens to both sides of the story and asks questions to clarify the details of the case. He reminds both parties that small claims court is not about right or wrong but the evidence presented. He advises Derrick to make a good faith effort to pay David back, even if it is in small amounts. Judge Mathis ultimately rules in favor of David and orders Derrick to pay him back the $1,000 he owes.

The second case of the day involves a disagreement between two siblings over a car. The plaintiff, a young woman named Sarah, claims that her brother, Zach, stole her car. She alleges that Zach took the car without her permission and refuses to return it. Sarah says that Zach has a history of taking her things without asking.

Zach denies stealing the car, claiming that he borrowed it with Sarah's permission. He says that he was only driving the car to run some errands and intended to return it to Sarah later that day. Zach says that he has no motive to steal the car and that Sarah is just being paranoid.

Judge Mathis listens to both sides of the story and reviews evidence presented by both parties. He asks Sarah why she allowed her brother to use the car if she did not trust him. He advises both parties to work out their issues outside of court and dismisses the case.

The final case of the day involves a dispute between two neighbors over a fence. The plaintiff, a woman named Mary, claims that her neighbor Stan built a fence on her property without her permission. Mary alleges that the fence has caused damage to her plants and is affecting the drainage on her property.

Stan counters that he built the fence on his property and denies any wrongdoing. He says that Mary has been a problem neighbor and is always complaining about minor issues. He argues that the fence is necessary to keep his animals contained.

Judge Mathis listens to both sides of the story and reviews evidence presented by both parties. He reminds both parties that property line disputes can be complicated and advises them to consult with a surveyor to determine the exact boundary. Judge Mathis dismisses the case but advises both parties to work together to come up with a solution to the fence issue.

Overall, Judge Mathis season 18 episode 1 offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of small claims court. The cases presented in the episode are relatable to anyone who has ever had to deal with a dispute over money, property, or family issues. Judge Mathis' fair and even-handed approach to each case helps to make the show both entertaining and informative.