The People's Court Season 20 Episode 107 Crying Over a Cracked Phone
- April 18, 2017
As a popular reality television show, The People's Court has had success in presenting real-life civil court cases to the public for over two decades. Season 20 episode 107, titled "Crying Over a Cracked Phone," follows a dispute between two roommates over a damaged cellphone.
The plaintiff, Mark, is suing his former roommate, Rachel, for the value of his iPhone, which he claims was damaged by Rachel's carelessness. According to Mark, Rachel accidentally knocked his phone off a counter and cracked the screen, rendering it unusable. Despite requesting that Rachel reimburse him for the damage, she refused, leading him to seek legal action.
Rachel, on the other hand, argues that the phone was already damaged before the incident, and that she did not cause the crack. She claims that Mark's phone was constantly cracked and that he regularly dropped it, making it impossible for her to be responsible for the damage. Furthermore, Rachel argues that Mark has a history of being careless with his belongings and that he should not hold her responsible for this particular incident.
Throughout the episode, both parties present evidence to support their claims. Mark shares photos of his phone before the incident, demonstrating that it was in good condition. He also provides a witness statement from a third roommate who attests to Rachel's careless behavior. Rachel, on the other hand, presents video evidence from a security camera that she claims shows Mark dropping the phone prior to the incident in question.
As the case progresses, the judge offers a series of pointed questions to both parties, attempting to get to the bottom of the dispute. He asks how long each of them had lived together, whether they had a written agreement dictating shared responsibilities, and how the living situation had ended. Ultimately, he must decide whether Rachel is responsible for the damage to Mark's phone or whether the damage was preexisting.
Despite the frivolity of the dispute, the case illuminates important legal concepts such as breach of contract, negligence, and comparative fault. Both parties have a right to air their grievances and seek recompense, and the judge serves as an impartial mediator seeking to resolve their dispute in an equitable fashion.
While the facts of this particular case are unique, the overall premise of The People's Court remains unchanged. Each episode presents a real-life legal conflict between two parties seeking justice through the legal system. By sharing these cases on television, the show offers viewers a glimpse into the workings of the legal system and how disputes between parties can be resolved through mediation and litigation.
In the end, viewers of "Crying over a Cracked Phone" are left to form their own opinions about the outcome of the case. Regardless of the verdict, the show serves as a reminder that there are real consequences to our actions and that we must all be mindful of our behavior and how it impacts those around us.