The People's Court Season 23 Episode 103 Couching the issues

The People's Court, now in its 23rd season, is a courtroom show where real people take their legal disputes to a televised courtroom. The show features Judge Marilyn Milian presiding over a wide variety of cases, from small claims to more serious civil cases.

In season 23 episode 103 titled "Couching the Issues," two parties are in dispute over a damaged couch. The plaintiff, Mr. Smith, claims that the defendant, Ms. Jones, was responsible for damaging his expensive sectional couch during a party at her house. According to Mr. Smith, the couch had been in pristine condition prior to the party, but Ms. Jones and her guests were reckless and caused damage that rendered the couch unusable.

Ms. Jones, however, disputes this claim. She states that while there was a party at her house, she was not responsible for any damage caused to Mr. Smith's couch. She further alleges that Mr. Smith himself was drinking heavily and that he may have caused the damage himself.

As the case progresses, both sides present evidence to support their claims. Mr. Smith provides photographs of the couch before and after the party, as well as testimony from other guests who were present that night. Ms. Jones, on the other hand, presents testimony from her own guests claiming that they did not see any damage to the couch and that Mr. Smith was indeed drinking heavily.

As Judge Milian listens to both sides, she asks probing questions and attempts to get to the bottom of the matter. She notes that while Mr. Smith did not purchase the couch with Ms. Jones, it was clear that the couch had been damaged in some way.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a behind-the-scenes look at how a courtroom session is conducted. They see Judge Milian in action, asking questions, verifying evidence, and making judgments. They also get to see how litigants can represent themselves in court without an attorney.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is how Judge Milian handles the dispute between Mr. Smith and Ms. Jones. Rather than simply ruling in favor of one side or the other, she takes a step back and considers both viewpoints. She notes that while Mr. Smith may not have behaved perfectly at the party, it is ultimately up to the host to ensure the safety of their guests and their property.

In the end, Judge Milian comes to a decision that both parties can live with. While she does not award Mr. Smith the full amount he requested, she does award him a partial amount to cover the damage done to his couch. She also orders Ms. Jones to pay the remainder of the cost of the couch's repair.

Overall, season 23 episode 103 of The People's Court is a compelling look at how a courtroom session works. Through the lens of a dispute over a damaged couch, viewers get to witness the legal process in action and see how a judge makes a decision based on evidence presented to her.