First Ever Three Judge Panel To Decide Small Claims Cases

(HOLLYWOOD, CA) –September 10, 2014 – CBS Television Distribution (CTD)’s new court series, HOT BENCH will premiere in national syndication on Monday, September 15.

Created by Judge Judy Sheindlin, who headlines the #1 show in syndication JUDGE JUDY, HOT BENCH adds an exciting new dimension to the court genre.  The program features a panel of three dynamic judges hearing court cases, arguing the merits of the case amongst themselves and coming to a verdict.  Also for the first time, viewers are part of the deliberations and see cameras follow the judges into chambers where they hash out the facts and majority rules.

“When my husband Jerry and I were in Ireland we visited the courts and watched a three-judge bench, which I found both fascinating and compelling,” Judge Sheindlin said. “I immediately thought what a terrific and unique idea for a television program that brings the court genre to the next level. We have assembled three individuals with extremely varied backgrounds to serve as the judges. They are smart and talented, with terrific instincts and great chemistry, and are sure to create a ‘hot bench.’ ”

‘Hot Bench’ is a term used to describe a court where the judge or judges frequently interrupt lawyers’ presentations with questions, often leading to lively exchanges.

The season kicks off with a case that includes the custody of a pure-bred terrier that is contested between the​ dog’s emotional owner and a couple who grew close to him during a time of grief. Others feature the renovation of a small closet into a bathroom which goes terribly wrong and proves impossible to fit into and an emotional, single mom walks out of the courtroom when faced with tough questions about her decision to give money to a stranger for mansion upkeep.

HOT BENCH’s trio of judges are Patricia DiMango, Tanya Acker and Larry Bakman.

Most recently, DiMango was the Administrative Judge of the Supreme Court Criminal Term in Brooklyn. According to a recent New York Times front page story, she is known for her “brash style and forceful personality,” as well as her efficiency in closing old cases.  She was appointed to the bench by Mayor Rudolph W. Guiliani in 1995.  She graduated from St. John’s University School of Law and received her master’s degree in developmental psychology from Teacher’s College at Columbia University while teaching third grade at Public School 164 in Brooklyn.

Acker is a Los Angeles-based practicing attorney and political, social and legal commentator. She is a graduate of Yale Law School and earned her undergraduate degree at Howard University in Washington DC.  Her television appearances include “Good Morning America,” “Entertainment Tonight,” “The O’Reilly Factor,”  “Anderson Cooper 360,” “CNBC Reports,” “Larry King Live” and “Issues With Jane Velez Mitchell.” She has also appeared on Sky News in Great Britain and has been a contributor to the “Huffington Post.”  

Bakman, who has tried more than 500 Federal and State Criminal Cases, is a member of the State Bar in California and New York.  He has had a private legal practice in Los Angeles since 1983.  Backman’s practice focuses on defending clients charged with complex violations, such as conspiracy, fraud, assaults and narcotic possession and distribution. Bakman, a former Los Angeles Deputy City Attorney, is a graduate of Southwestern Law School and earned his undergraduate degree at UCLA.

HOT BENCH is executive produced by Randy Douthit, who currently serves as Executive Producer and Director of JUDGE JUDY, and Maureen FitzPatrick. The half-hour strip is produced by CBS Television Distribution and Queen Bee Productions.  It is distributed by CBS Television Distribution

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Press Contacts:  

Gary Rosen

Gary Rosen Communications

(917) 751-9111      

garyrosen@aol.com

Leslie Ryan

Vice President of CommunicationsCBS Television Distribution

310-264-3406

Leslie.ryan@cbs.com