The People's Court Season 24 Episode 23 Where's My Bear?
- November 18, 2020
In season 24 episode 23 of The People's Court, titled "Where's My Bear?", judge Marilyn Milian presides over a case involving two neighbors with a dispute over a teddy bear. Plaintiff Jerika Bridges claims that defendant Sade Williams stole her son's beloved stuffed bear, which was passed down from his grandfather. Williams denies taking the bear and states that it was simply lost in the laundry room of their shared apartment building.
Bridges describes the emotional value of the bear to her son and explains that she noticed it missing after leaving it to dry in the laundry room. She accuses Williams of intentionally taking it. Williams, on the other hand, maintains her innocence and insists that the bear was not in the laundry room when she went in to do her laundry. She suggests that someone else may have taken it, which angers Bridges.
Judge Milian attempts to get to the root of the issue by questioning both parties extensively. She asks Williams about the layout of the laundry room and whether or not she saw the bear anywhere. She also asks Bridges if she has any evidence to prove that Williams took the bear, such as witnesses or security footage. When Bridges admits she has no such evidence, Milian suggests that it is difficult to make a decision on the case without proof.
Milian also asks both parties why they didn't try to resolve the issue without involving the court. Bridges explains that she tried to speak with Williams about it, but Williams denied taking the bear and refused to help look for it. Williams claims that Bridges accused her of theft without any real proof, and tensions between the two escalated quickly.
As the case continues, Milian becomes increasingly frustrated with both parties for not being able to come to an agreement. She stresses the importance of communication and working together to resolve disputes. She ultimately decides that, without concrete evidence, she cannot rule in favor of either party. She advises Bridges and Williams to work out their differences and offers some suggestions on how to prevent similar issues from arising in the future.
Overall, the episode highlights the importance of communication and the difficulty of resolving disputes without evidence. Judge Milian's fair and impartial approach to the case serves as a valuable lesson for all involved.