1 00:00:06,400 --> 00:00:09,166 We are here because you don't wanna pay her that other money. 2 00:00:10,133 --> 00:00:13,333 That's not what happened. Carol has a vendetta against me. 3 00:00:13,400 --> 00:00:14,533 I never said I wouldn't pay. 4 00:00:14,600 --> 00:00:16,233 I didn't want to come here. 5 00:00:16,300 --> 00:00:17,467 I couldn't think straight. 6 00:00:17,533 --> 00:00:19,300 - I never said I wouldn't pay her. - Ma'am. Ma'am. 7 00:00:19,367 --> 00:00:20,767 - Ma'am. - That's the whole thing. 8 00:00:22,100 --> 00:00:23,500 I never said I wouldn't pay her. 9 00:00:24,233 --> 00:00:27,400 I think she's freaking out here 'cause you got mean. 10 00:00:27,467 --> 00:00:29,967 [announcer] Now on Tribunal Justice. 11 00:00:30,033 --> 00:00:33,467 ["Ride of the Valkyries" plays] 12 00:00:51,100 --> 00:00:55,200 [announcer] Today's case was filed in Santa Ynez, California. 13 00:00:55,266 --> 00:00:57,734 [Byrd] Your Honor, this is case number 2072 14 00:00:57,800 --> 00:01:00,633 on the calendar in the matter of Bennett versus Ciaccio. 15 00:01:00,700 --> 00:01:01,767 [Judge Acker] Thank you, Byrd. 16 00:01:01,834 --> 00:01:03,166 [Byrd] Parties have been sworn in. 17 00:01:03,233 --> 00:01:04,632 You may be seated. 18 00:01:04,700 --> 00:01:08,533 [Judge Acker] You, ma'am, you and your husband run horse shows 19 00:01:08,600 --> 00:01:10,867 and you run a very specific type of horse shows. 20 00:01:10,934 --> 00:01:12,133 - [Carole] Yes, ma'am. - Dressage. 21 00:01:12,200 --> 00:01:15,734 It's sort of a type of riding where the rider and the horse 22 00:01:15,800 --> 00:01:17,100 are almost dancing together. 23 00:01:17,166 --> 00:01:18,367 - Exactly. - [Judge Acker] Right? 24 00:01:18,433 --> 00:01:22,133 You run these shows with your husband, as you describe it in your complaint. 25 00:01:22,200 --> 00:01:24,834 It's not a big for-profit venture. 26 00:01:24,900 --> 00:01:28,333 - And, Ms. Ciaccio, you are a rider. - I am. 27 00:01:28,400 --> 00:01:30,367 Your daughter-- that's not your daughter, Brooklyn. 28 00:01:30,433 --> 00:01:32,967 - [Christina] That's my mother. - [laughter] 29 00:01:33,033 --> 00:01:34,900 [Judge Acker] But your daughter, Brooklyn, is how old? 30 00:01:34,967 --> 00:01:37,866 - [Christina] She's 10. - [Judge Acker] So you and Brooklyn ride. 31 00:01:37,934 --> 00:01:40,233 You signed up for one of the plaintiff's shows. 32 00:01:40,300 --> 00:01:42,400 - [Christina] Uh-hmm. - You got sick and... 33 00:01:42,467 --> 00:01:43,866 Really sick, unfortunately. 34 00:01:43,934 --> 00:01:46,100 So sick, in fact, you said there was fluid in your lungs. 35 00:01:46,166 --> 00:01:47,333 - Uh-hmm. - You weren't able to make the show. 36 00:01:47,400 --> 00:01:49,700 - Yeah. - The plaintiff maintains 37 00:01:49,767 --> 00:01:51,967 that you should nonetheless still pay for the balance 38 00:01:52,033 --> 00:01:54,567 of the show, and she's suing you for $290. 39 00:01:54,633 --> 00:01:56,000 - [Christina] Right. - [Judge Acker] Your position is, 40 00:01:56,066 --> 00:01:57,834 "I'll pay you the office fees, 41 00:01:57,900 --> 00:01:59,633 but because I have a doctor's note 42 00:01:59,700 --> 00:02:01,400 - that shows you that I am sick..." - [Christina] Yes. 43 00:02:01,467 --> 00:02:02,467 [Judge Acker] "... you should not hold me liable for the balance." 44 00:02:02,533 --> 00:02:03,567 Your Honor, I never saw the doctor's note. 45 00:02:03,633 --> 00:02:04,834 - I mailed it. She received by mail. - [Judge Acker] Shh, shh, shh. 46 00:02:04,900 --> 00:02:06,166 Hang on. Hang on. Hang on. Hang on. 47 00:02:06,233 --> 00:02:07,800 I know I read all the text messages. 48 00:02:07,867 --> 00:02:10,366 There's a lot of energy here. There's some beautiful horses 49 00:02:10,433 --> 00:02:12,967 - and then some other kinds of energy. - Uh-hmm. 50 00:02:13,033 --> 00:02:15,166 [Judge Acker] You maintain you were too sick to participate 51 00:02:15,233 --> 00:02:17,266 and as a consequence of being sick, 52 00:02:17,333 --> 00:02:20,700 you don't think you should have to pay the balance of the entry fee. 53 00:02:20,767 --> 00:02:22,966 In fact, you also have a countersuit against the plaintiff... 54 00:02:23,033 --> 00:02:24,033 - [Christina] Yes. - [Judge Acker] ... because you say 55 00:02:24,100 --> 00:02:27,066 that you sold her a saddle, beautiful saddle. 56 00:02:27,133 --> 00:02:28,800 - She still owes you some money for it. - [Christina] Yes. 57 00:02:28,867 --> 00:02:31,233 [Judge Acker] The amount of your countersuit is $293. 58 00:02:31,300 --> 00:02:32,300 Ironically, yes. 59 00:02:32,367 --> 00:02:36,734 [Judge Acker] So we have a lawsuit for $290. 60 00:02:36,800 --> 00:02:40,266 We have a countersuit for $293. 61 00:02:40,333 --> 00:02:43,300 Ms. Bennett, how long have you been putting these shows on? 62 00:02:43,367 --> 00:02:47,367 We had our 30th show in December. 63 00:02:47,433 --> 00:02:48,900 - [Judge Acker] Congratulations. - Thank you. 64 00:02:48,966 --> 00:02:52,166 I believe we have a video of the shows that you put on. 65 00:02:52,233 --> 00:02:53,500 Let's take a look at the video 66 00:02:53,567 --> 00:02:55,600 and why don't you explain to us what we're seeing. 67 00:02:55,667 --> 00:02:56,667 [Carole] Well, you're right. 68 00:02:56,734 --> 00:02:57,767 It is like horse dancing. 69 00:02:57,834 --> 00:03:02,333 And it is probably the most difficult of rider 70 00:03:02,400 --> 00:03:04,633 and horse competitions. 71 00:03:04,700 --> 00:03:08,734 When you go to jump, you point your horse, you hope he won't stop and he goes. 72 00:03:08,800 --> 00:03:11,600 But this is like dancing, ice skating, together. 73 00:03:11,667 --> 00:03:15,200 And the movement is very subtle for the rider. 74 00:03:15,266 --> 00:03:18,200 And the judge will say, "You didn't hit the mark," 75 00:03:18,266 --> 00:03:19,567 or, "You cantered too soon." 76 00:03:19,633 --> 00:03:21,633 - So it's almost like gymnastics? - [Carole] Exactly. 77 00:03:21,700 --> 00:03:24,433 - [Judge Acker] It's like gymnastics? - Yes. And it's individual. 78 00:03:24,500 --> 00:03:27,734 [Judge Acker] Let's just talk very specifically about the show 79 00:03:27,800 --> 00:03:30,433 for which the defendant signed up. 80 00:03:30,500 --> 00:03:31,633 - [Carole] Okay. - She enrolled her daughter. 81 00:03:31,700 --> 00:03:34,100 Now, this was supposed to be on December 3rd, yes? 82 00:03:34,166 --> 00:03:35,266 Yes, ma'am. 83 00:03:35,333 --> 00:03:37,966 [Judge Acker] And how many riders can you accommodate in a show? 84 00:03:38,033 --> 00:03:41,700 Well, everybody that signs up, it's important, 85 00:03:41,767 --> 00:03:44,867 because somebody else would have wanted to sign up but they can't. 86 00:03:44,934 --> 00:03:47,266 [Judge Acker] But in December, how many people did you have? 87 00:03:47,333 --> 00:03:49,834 'Bout 50 or 60, so it went all day. 88 00:03:49,900 --> 00:03:52,834 And so was it fully subscribed? Full show? 89 00:03:52,900 --> 00:03:54,767 - Yes. - No, it was not. 90 00:03:54,834 --> 00:03:55,834 - It was not. - [Judge Acker] Hang on. 91 00:03:55,900 --> 00:03:57,133 Okay. You know what? This isn't church. 92 00:03:57,200 --> 00:03:59,166 - We don't call out. - [Christina] Oh, sorry. 93 00:03:59,233 --> 00:04:02,100 [Judge Acker] Let's put the schedule up on the monitor. 94 00:04:02,166 --> 00:04:07,133 So the defendant signed up for 8:49 for cross rails, 95 00:04:07,200 --> 00:04:09,200 9:10 two-foot jump. 96 00:04:09,266 --> 00:04:12,000 So she had two slots for the December 3rd show? 97 00:04:12,066 --> 00:04:13,333 She had two and her daughter had two. 98 00:04:13,400 --> 00:04:15,000 [Judge Acker] So that's a total of four spaces? 99 00:04:15,066 --> 00:04:16,899 [Carole] Yes, ma'am. And two office fees. 100 00:04:16,966 --> 00:04:18,966 Why don't you explain to the court 101 00:04:19,033 --> 00:04:22,734 what goes into your pre-show preparations? 102 00:04:22,800 --> 00:04:26,000 So what happens initially, and I'll try to be as brief as I can, 103 00:04:26,066 --> 00:04:30,367 is a month before the show is to go, we send out an email. 104 00:04:30,433 --> 00:04:32,600 We have about 350 participants 105 00:04:32,667 --> 00:04:35,033 and we send it out with an attachment 106 00:04:35,100 --> 00:04:38,567 of a premium, okay? 107 00:04:38,633 --> 00:04:41,200 And it says in the premium, 108 00:04:41,266 --> 00:04:43,300 tell us your horse's name, 109 00:04:43,367 --> 00:04:46,266 if you wanna come, what classes you wanna enter. 110 00:04:46,332 --> 00:04:48,332 Are you an adult, amateur? 111 00:04:48,400 --> 00:04:52,500 Are you an open rider, usually a trainer, or are you a junior, okay? 112 00:04:52,567 --> 00:04:54,867 [Judge Acker] And her daughter Brooklyn would have been a junior? 113 00:04:54,933 --> 00:04:57,767 Yes. She's under 18. Okay. 114 00:04:57,834 --> 00:05:01,200 So they send it in and then they Venmo 115 00:05:01,266 --> 00:05:03,800 or we've allowed them to pay at the door, 116 00:05:03,867 --> 00:05:08,133 which was in this case, on good faith, or they send a check. 117 00:05:08,200 --> 00:05:10,266 And then we start to tally 118 00:05:10,333 --> 00:05:11,967 - how many people are coming. - Right. So you know... 119 00:05:12,033 --> 00:05:13,367 [Carole] That's more important than the payment. 120 00:05:13,433 --> 00:05:15,533 Okay. I got-- so let me just stop you right there. 121 00:05:15,600 --> 00:05:19,533 There's been some dispute, and I saw the dispute starting to arise 122 00:05:19,600 --> 00:05:22,800 over the illness, whether or not you showed her a doctor's note. 123 00:05:22,867 --> 00:05:26,066 You submitted to us, I believe, a note 124 00:05:26,133 --> 00:05:28,367 but it wasn't with respect to the show. 125 00:05:28,433 --> 00:05:30,233 You submitted a doctor's note that indicated... 126 00:05:30,300 --> 00:05:31,900 - Uh-hmm. - [Judge Acker] ... that your daughter 127 00:05:31,967 --> 00:05:34,700 Brooklyn wasn't able to go to school. 128 00:05:34,767 --> 00:05:38,100 She wasn't contagious, but the doctor said 129 00:05:38,166 --> 00:05:40,633 - she's not entirely up to snuff. - [Christina] Yeah. 130 00:05:40,700 --> 00:05:42,332 Now, is that the note to what you referred? 131 00:05:42,400 --> 00:05:43,400 - Because I didn't see... - [Christina] Yes. 132 00:05:43,467 --> 00:05:45,600 - ... a note to the plaintiff... - Uh-hmm. 133 00:05:45,667 --> 00:05:47,000 [Judge Acker] ... about why you weren't able 134 00:05:47,066 --> 00:05:48,433 to participate in this particular show. 135 00:05:48,500 --> 00:05:50,767 So, unfortunately, the doctor, 136 00:05:50,834 --> 00:05:53,500 that's the only note that she can write, she said. 137 00:05:53,567 --> 00:05:56,734 So she put the date of the show on her doctor's note, 138 00:05:56,800 --> 00:05:59,467 but she said, "I don't do personal notes or events." 139 00:05:59,533 --> 00:06:03,000 She said, "This is for your school," because she was so ill, 140 00:06:03,066 --> 00:06:05,800 the school would not take her back without a doctor's note. 141 00:06:05,867 --> 00:06:07,300 - [Judge Acker] Did you have any... - Yeah? 142 00:06:07,367 --> 00:06:09,367 - ... verification from a doctor... - [Christina] Uh-hmm. 143 00:06:09,433 --> 00:06:10,767 ... about your condition 144 00:06:10,834 --> 00:06:12,000 and your inability to participate in the show. 145 00:06:12,066 --> 00:06:14,233 Yeah. So, unfortunately, I do-- 146 00:06:14,300 --> 00:06:17,200 I have like a holistic doctor that I go to. 147 00:06:17,266 --> 00:06:21,300 But what the issue also is that I've been a competitor my whole life. 148 00:06:21,367 --> 00:06:23,700 I've been a professional horse trainer for 20 years. 149 00:06:23,767 --> 00:06:26,600 My store that I have is an equestrian store. [indistinct] 150 00:06:26,667 --> 00:06:27,834 [Judge Acker] Right. You sold her a saddle. We'll get to that. 151 00:06:27,900 --> 00:06:30,367 She was also an employee of mine who has... 152 00:06:30,433 --> 00:06:31,700 - [Judge Acker] We'll get to all that. - Okay. 153 00:06:31,767 --> 00:06:32,867 But right now I wanna focus 154 00:06:32,933 --> 00:06:34,400 - on the part of the case... - [Christina] Yes. Uh-hmm. 155 00:06:34,467 --> 00:06:35,867 - ... in which you say you should... - Yeah. 156 00:06:35,933 --> 00:06:38,332 ... be legally excused from the remainder 157 00:06:38,400 --> 00:06:40,000 - of the payment because you were ill. - [Christina] So I have-- 158 00:06:40,066 --> 00:06:42,133 I have some evidence here. 159 00:06:42,200 --> 00:06:45,900 So what happens at--and I've been competing my whole life, like I said. 160 00:06:45,967 --> 00:06:48,834 We actually did two shows a few months before Carole's 161 00:06:48,900 --> 00:06:51,667 that were a bigger, more rated shows. 162 00:06:51,734 --> 00:06:52,734 - [Judge Acker] I have from you... - [Christina] Uh-hmm. 163 00:06:52,800 --> 00:06:54,900 I have evidence that you submitted. 164 00:06:54,967 --> 00:06:57,700 It's evidence of the rules in another competition. 165 00:06:57,767 --> 00:06:59,700 - [Christina] Okay. - And it says that refunds will be made... 166 00:06:59,767 --> 00:07:01,600 - [Christina] Uh-hmm. - ... only with the veterinary 167 00:07:01,667 --> 00:07:03,600 - or doctor certificate. - Number 9. 168 00:07:03,667 --> 00:07:04,767 - Yeah. - It says here, 169 00:07:04,834 --> 00:07:06,834 if classes are scratched through the horse show office 170 00:07:06,900 --> 00:07:10,133 and prior to the start of the class, a full refund will be given. 171 00:07:10,200 --> 00:07:11,200 - [Judge Acker] But--hang on, hang on. - [Christina] Okay. 172 00:07:11,266 --> 00:07:12,266 [Judge Acker] Let me just cut to the chase. 173 00:07:12,333 --> 00:07:16,934 Let's assume that there is another company that does similar shows and they say, 174 00:07:17,000 --> 00:07:20,000 "We give you refunds," that doesn't mean she has to. 175 00:07:20,066 --> 00:07:23,734 So, typically, for all shows that I've ever competed at, 176 00:07:23,800 --> 00:07:27,533 if you have--you pay your office fees, if you have to scratch, a hundred percent. 177 00:07:27,600 --> 00:07:29,332 - If you had-- - [Christina] And I have the check here 178 00:07:29,400 --> 00:07:32,233 for exhibit 6 of the office fee that she forgot to mention I paid her. 179 00:07:32,300 --> 00:07:34,467 [Judge Acker] But here, we're not concerned about office fees. 180 00:07:34,533 --> 00:07:36,900 - That's the--yes. - Christina, wait. 181 00:07:36,967 --> 00:07:38,233 [Judge Acker] She's suing--are you her mom? 182 00:07:38,300 --> 00:07:39,734 - [Julia] Sorry. - Tell her to take a beat. 183 00:07:39,800 --> 00:07:41,066 - [Julia] Christina... - Tell her to take a breath. 184 00:07:41,133 --> 00:07:42,133 - Just breathe. Just--you're nervous. - Okay. I'm sorry. 185 00:07:42,200 --> 00:07:43,500 - [Judge Acker] Yeah, breathe. - Just relax. It's okay. 186 00:07:43,567 --> 00:07:44,633 [Judge Acker] Yeah. Exactly. 187 00:07:44,700 --> 00:07:46,367 She's just trying to get some information. 188 00:07:46,433 --> 00:07:47,767 Well done, Mom. Thank you. 189 00:07:49,567 --> 00:07:52,100 [announcer] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 190 00:07:52,166 --> 00:07:54,433 The countersuit is over a $1,200 saddle. 191 00:07:54,500 --> 00:07:58,166 It was your position that you only owe her $1,200 and she's like, 192 00:07:58,233 --> 00:08:00,266 "No, it's $1,200 plus tax." 193 00:08:00,333 --> 00:08:02,200 And then you went off on her. 194 00:08:02,266 --> 00:08:03,433 You went off. 195 00:08:03,500 --> 00:08:04,867 [dramatic musical sting] 196 00:08:07,000 --> 00:08:08,333 [theme music plays] 197 00:08:08,400 --> 00:08:10,500 [announcer] Horse event organizer, Carole Bennett, 198 00:08:10,567 --> 00:08:12,467 is suing Christina Ciaccio 199 00:08:12,533 --> 00:08:16,667 for an unpaid $290 horse competition entry fee. 200 00:08:16,734 --> 00:08:19,767 Carole claims Christina canceled at the last minute, 201 00:08:19,834 --> 00:08:22,000 but Christina says she was sick 202 00:08:22,066 --> 00:08:26,834 and is now countersuing for a $293 balance owed on a saddle. 203 00:08:27,633 --> 00:08:29,367 - What's at issue here... - [Christina] Yes. 204 00:08:29,433 --> 00:08:32,767 ... is whether or not you should be liable for the balance 205 00:08:32,834 --> 00:08:36,500 of this show, and you say you should not because you were sick. 206 00:08:36,567 --> 00:08:39,567 - No. - What I'm asking you, okay? 207 00:08:39,633 --> 00:08:40,967 - Here's my query. - [Christina] Okay. 208 00:08:41,033 --> 00:08:42,633 [Judge Acker] People get sick all the time. 209 00:08:42,700 --> 00:08:43,900 - Uh-hmm. - Right? 210 00:08:43,967 --> 00:08:46,900 So if I'm a business person and I'm selling 10 spaces... 211 00:08:46,967 --> 00:08:48,900 - [Christina] Yes. - ... and then I say, "Okay, 212 00:08:48,967 --> 00:08:51,033 you all have to pay me for these 10 spaces 213 00:08:51,100 --> 00:08:54,266 because there are 10 people behind you who wanna be in line." 214 00:08:54,333 --> 00:08:55,367 - [Christina] Uh-hmm. - And you're like, "Okay, 215 00:08:55,433 --> 00:08:57,800 I'm gonna pay--ah, I don't have to pay you 'cause I got sick this morning." 216 00:08:57,867 --> 00:08:59,000 That's just not fair. 217 00:08:59,066 --> 00:09:01,767 I mean, just as a matter of practical common sense... 218 00:09:01,834 --> 00:09:05,000 - [Christina] Uh-hmm. - ... no person who sells services 219 00:09:05,066 --> 00:09:09,000 or sells spaces can operate their business 220 00:09:09,066 --> 00:09:12,300 if everybody can just get out of paying because they have a doctor's note. 221 00:09:12,367 --> 00:09:13,934 I never said I wouldn't pay Carole. 222 00:09:14,000 --> 00:09:15,967 I didn't want to come here. 223 00:09:16,033 --> 00:09:20,734 The issue here is that the-- I gave her $90 for the office fee. 224 00:09:20,800 --> 00:09:22,967 I couldn't think straight. I was very, very sick. 225 00:09:23,033 --> 00:09:25,633 And I said, "Here's,"--this is what I typically have done for horse shows. 226 00:09:25,700 --> 00:09:27,400 We had to do it at Paso Robles Show Park. 227 00:09:27,467 --> 00:09:29,500 We had to scratch the day of 'cause I don't--a green horse. 228 00:09:29,567 --> 00:09:30,667 It means young. 229 00:09:30,734 --> 00:09:32,533 And they let me scratch the classes 230 00:09:32,600 --> 00:09:34,633 and we don't pay but we pay the office fees. 231 00:09:34,700 --> 00:09:36,333 So in what she says I owe her, 232 00:09:36,400 --> 00:09:38,467 she never mentioned that I gave her this money. 233 00:09:38,533 --> 00:09:41,500 So this is deducted from the $290 234 00:09:41,567 --> 00:09:44,667 because that's the total with the classes and the office fees. 235 00:09:44,734 --> 00:09:46,900 - So the balance should be 200. - [Judge Acker] Okay. 236 00:09:46,967 --> 00:09:48,700 - So let's assume that's true. - Yeah. 237 00:09:48,767 --> 00:09:51,033 [Judge Acker] Let's assume there's been some mistake in accounting. 238 00:09:51,100 --> 00:09:52,867 - Yes. - You are still suggesting 239 00:09:52,934 --> 00:09:54,734 - that you're not liable for the... - [Christina] No. 240 00:09:54,800 --> 00:09:55,800 - I never said that. - [Judge Acker] For the 200. 241 00:09:55,867 --> 00:09:57,567 - No, no, no. I never said that. - [Judge Acker] No, no, no. Yes, you did. 242 00:09:57,633 --> 00:09:59,266 - We're here. Listen to me. - Wait, Christina. 243 00:09:59,333 --> 00:10:00,934 - Yes. - [Judge Acker] We are here 244 00:10:01,000 --> 00:10:02,266 because you don't wanna pay her that other money. 245 00:10:02,333 --> 00:10:04,400 No. That's not--that's not what happened. 246 00:10:04,467 --> 00:10:05,800 Can I explain, please? 247 00:10:05,867 --> 00:10:07,867 Carole has a vendetta against me. 248 00:10:07,934 --> 00:10:09,333 - I have messages. - Okay. Stop. 249 00:10:09,400 --> 00:10:11,166 - Stop with the vendettas. Stop. - I have evidence. I have evidence. 250 00:10:11,233 --> 00:10:12,600 - Please, I have evidence. - [Judge Acker] Oh, my goodness. 251 00:10:12,667 --> 00:10:15,500 You really should focus on the things that I'm interested in 252 00:10:15,567 --> 00:10:17,166 - because I will be the one... - [Christina] I said--I was not... 253 00:10:17,233 --> 00:10:19,133 ... going back there with my colleagues trying to make a decision. 254 00:10:19,200 --> 00:10:21,200 - [Christina] I'm sorry. - Breathe. Just relax. 255 00:10:21,266 --> 00:10:23,133 [Judge Acker] I know this is really stressful for you. 256 00:10:23,200 --> 00:10:26,000 Yes. I never said I wouldn't pay her. That's the whole thing. 257 00:10:26,066 --> 00:10:27,066 - Ma'am. Ma'am. - Yes? 258 00:10:27,133 --> 00:10:28,233 [Judge Acker] Byrd's gonna help you take a beat. 259 00:10:28,300 --> 00:10:29,433 - You okay? - [Julia] Take a breath. 260 00:10:29,500 --> 00:10:30,500 - Just relax. - I'm just confused. 261 00:10:30,567 --> 00:10:31,567 [Judge Acker] Byrd, do some breathing exercise. 262 00:10:31,633 --> 00:10:32,633 - No, no, no, no, no. It's fine. - [Julia] Christina. 263 00:10:32,700 --> 00:10:33,700 - This is what I want you to do. - Yes. 264 00:10:33,767 --> 00:10:35,165 - You take a breath. - [Julia] Christina, relax. 265 00:10:35,233 --> 00:10:36,233 When she's talking... 266 00:10:36,300 --> 00:10:37,300 - Okay. - [Judge Acker] Just relax. 267 00:10:37,367 --> 00:10:38,433 ... let her finish whatever she's saying. 268 00:10:38,500 --> 00:10:41,633 - Okay. - Take a beat and then answer, okay? 269 00:10:41,700 --> 00:10:43,100 - You're gonna get it all out. - Okay. 270 00:10:43,165 --> 00:10:44,567 - Okay? - [Julia] It's only $200. 271 00:10:44,633 --> 00:10:45,633 - Relax. - This is so hard. 272 00:10:45,700 --> 00:10:46,700 - I never said I wouldn't pay her. - [Julia] Relax. 273 00:10:46,767 --> 00:10:48,000 - Okay. No, no, no. It's all right. - [Julia] Shh. 274 00:10:48,066 --> 00:10:49,834 - It's okay. - You've been--you're gonna be fine. 275 00:10:49,900 --> 00:10:51,033 [Julia] It's okay. 276 00:10:51,100 --> 00:10:52,433 When in doubt, take a look at me. 277 00:10:52,500 --> 00:10:53,867 - I'm a--I'm a calming influence. - Okay. 278 00:10:53,934 --> 00:10:54,934 - [Julia] Pull together. - Thank you. 279 00:10:55,000 --> 00:10:56,100 All right. 280 00:10:56,165 --> 00:10:58,333 [Judge Acker] And while you're taking a beat, 281 00:10:58,400 --> 00:11:02,367 I'm gonna turn back to you, because I read all of these messages 282 00:11:02,433 --> 00:11:05,734 and I think she's freaking out here 'cause you got mean. 283 00:11:05,800 --> 00:11:07,500 You got really, really mean. 284 00:11:07,567 --> 00:11:10,667 There was a dispute over whether or not she had to pay 285 00:11:10,734 --> 00:11:12,000 for the balance of the show. 286 00:11:12,066 --> 00:11:16,000 She said, "I'll pay you the office fees, but you know it's not the right thing 287 00:11:16,066 --> 00:11:19,333 to make me pay for the rest of the class when I didn't show up." 288 00:11:19,400 --> 00:11:22,834 I don't know that I agree with that, but you went straight from that to, 289 00:11:22,900 --> 00:11:24,500 "You're a horrible business person. 290 00:11:24,567 --> 00:11:26,133 How can you stay in business?" 291 00:11:26,200 --> 00:11:29,433 And this dovetails to the countersuit, because the countersuit 292 00:11:29,500 --> 00:11:35,066 is over a $1,200 saddle, and you let her pay over time. 293 00:11:35,133 --> 00:11:37,467 And ultimately, ma'am, it was your position 294 00:11:37,533 --> 00:11:39,834 that you only owe her $1,200 295 00:11:39,900 --> 00:11:42,200 and she's like, "No, it's $1,200 plus tax." 296 00:11:42,266 --> 00:11:44,133 And then you went off on her. 297 00:11:44,200 --> 00:11:45,600 You went off. 298 00:11:45,667 --> 00:11:48,133 "You're a big liar. You said nothing about tax." 299 00:11:48,200 --> 00:11:51,867 And I was like, "Is she really mad about having to pay sales tax on a product?" 300 00:11:51,934 --> 00:11:53,600 'Cause I thought you were really getting a little hysterical 301 00:11:53,667 --> 00:11:55,467 - in some of these messages. - Okay. I worked--I've worked for her. 302 00:11:55,533 --> 00:11:56,800 I've worked for Christina. 303 00:11:56,867 --> 00:12:01,133 She has continually lied to me through many encounters. 304 00:12:01,200 --> 00:12:03,734 She hired me and then changed my hours with no-- 305 00:12:03,800 --> 00:12:05,333 [Judge Acker] Oh, my God. Yeah, and I saw that. 306 00:12:05,400 --> 00:12:06,400 - Okay. That's fine. - [Judge Acker] Listen. 307 00:12:06,467 --> 00:12:07,467 - That's fine. - [Judge Acker] No, no, no. 308 00:12:07,533 --> 00:12:09,233 I wanna point out the things 309 00:12:09,300 --> 00:12:11,834 that the two of you are getting so irate about. 310 00:12:11,900 --> 00:12:13,233 - [Carole] Of course. - It's silly. 311 00:12:13,300 --> 00:12:15,000 - Ridiculous. - [Judge Acker] I saw the message. 312 00:12:15,066 --> 00:12:16,100 - Ridiculous. - [Judge Acker] She said, 313 00:12:16,166 --> 00:12:17,867 "I am a small business person. 314 00:12:17,934 --> 00:12:20,100 I don't need you today." And you said, "What? 315 00:12:20,166 --> 00:12:22,433 It's Wednesday. You promised me Wednesday. 316 00:12:22,500 --> 00:12:25,033 This is horrible." Like you freaked out. 317 00:12:25,100 --> 00:12:27,700 All she did was say I don't need you on Wednesday. 318 00:12:27,767 --> 00:12:30,633 So you think you shouldn't have to pay sales tax 319 00:12:30,700 --> 00:12:31,800 - and you think that... - But that's... 320 00:12:31,867 --> 00:12:32,867 [Judge Acker] ... you know, your doctor's note 321 00:12:32,934 --> 00:12:36,300 because you don't feel good means that you can leave people hanging. 322 00:12:36,367 --> 00:12:38,667 Your Honor, I wanted to support her. 323 00:12:38,734 --> 00:12:40,500 I was helping talk about her 324 00:12:40,567 --> 00:12:43,767 and how great her store was all over town, okay? 325 00:12:43,834 --> 00:12:45,567 I was happy to be working for her, 326 00:12:45,633 --> 00:12:47,967 and I went in and I got a saddle. 327 00:12:48,033 --> 00:12:49,700 - I said, "How much is it?" - [Judge Acker] And she said $1,200. 328 00:12:49,767 --> 00:12:51,300 [Carole] She said, "We have--we have a big sale on. 329 00:12:51,367 --> 00:12:53,400 It's 1,200 out the door." 330 00:12:53,467 --> 00:12:54,734 - That's what she said. - [Judge Acker] And you know what? 331 00:12:54,800 --> 00:12:56,767 As a grown woman with some common sense, 332 00:12:56,834 --> 00:12:58,767 you should know that in the state of California, 333 00:12:58,834 --> 00:13:00,800 you pay sales tax on products. 334 00:13:00,867 --> 00:13:02,200 - It's not rocket science. - [Carole] Fine. 335 00:13:02,266 --> 00:13:03,300 Judge DiMango. 336 00:13:03,367 --> 00:13:06,900 I get your point that she didn't say plus tax, 337 00:13:06,967 --> 00:13:12,233 but I have been a million places and I say how much is that and they say, "$25." 338 00:13:12,300 --> 00:13:15,700 And I get there and I say, "Here's 25," and they go, "No, it's 28.75." 339 00:13:15,767 --> 00:13:17,633 I go, "Why?" They go, "Plus tax." 340 00:13:17,700 --> 00:13:19,200 Now, I don't argue with them. 341 00:13:19,266 --> 00:13:21,400 I never found out what the tax was. 342 00:13:21,467 --> 00:13:23,600 When I brought her the last payment, 343 00:13:23,667 --> 00:13:25,000 I said, "Are we done? 344 00:13:25,066 --> 00:13:27,834 Do I owe you anything more?" 345 00:13:27,900 --> 00:13:29,200 And she said no. 346 00:13:29,266 --> 00:13:30,266 I never knew I owed you more money. 347 00:13:30,333 --> 00:13:32,300 How much did you think you had to pay for the saddle? 348 00:13:32,367 --> 00:13:33,633 I paid 1,200, what she told me. 349 00:13:33,700 --> 00:13:34,834 [Judge DiMango] Is that what you knew you had to pay? 350 00:13:34,900 --> 00:13:36,533 - Is that what you knew you had to pay? - [Carole] Yes, ma'am. 351 00:13:36,600 --> 00:13:39,767 So then why in your papers did you say, "I gave you $1,100, we're done."? 352 00:13:39,834 --> 00:13:40,834 Because I owed her another hundred and I did... 353 00:13:40,900 --> 00:13:43,033 'Cause you thought-- well, you didn't admit to that. 354 00:13:43,100 --> 00:13:44,700 You argued with her about that. 355 00:13:44,767 --> 00:13:47,165 You said, "I only owe you 1,100." And she said no. 356 00:13:47,233 --> 00:13:49,433 And then you said, "Oh, okay, I'll give you the other hundred." 357 00:13:49,500 --> 00:13:51,367 I just didn't know if it was 1,100 or 1,200. 358 00:13:51,433 --> 00:13:52,533 - It was a hundred dollars. - [Judge DiMango] You both don't know 359 00:13:52,600 --> 00:13:53,600 what you don't wanna know. 360 00:13:53,667 --> 00:13:54,767 - That's what it seems to me. - [Carole] That's really not fair. 361 00:13:54,834 --> 00:13:56,100 You both don't know what you don't wanna know. 362 00:13:56,165 --> 00:13:57,165 That's not fair. 363 00:13:57,233 --> 00:14:00,133 Why do you say that she owes you $293? 364 00:14:00,200 --> 00:14:02,066 [Christina] So we have an accounting firm. 365 00:14:02,133 --> 00:14:04,133 They went through all the payments that she's made 366 00:14:04,200 --> 00:14:06,233 and they searched all of her checks 367 00:14:06,300 --> 00:14:08,033 and all--everything that was cashed. 368 00:14:08,100 --> 00:14:10,467 So we show that we're just missing the tax 369 00:14:10,533 --> 00:14:12,533 and then her last $200 payment we're missing. 370 00:14:12,600 --> 00:14:14,433 And I don't know if it... 371 00:14:14,500 --> 00:14:16,600 [Judge DiMango] But wait. She gave you $1,100. 372 00:14:16,667 --> 00:14:17,800 You even said that. 373 00:14:17,867 --> 00:14:20,834 You said in your text messages, $1,100. 374 00:14:20,900 --> 00:14:23,000 She said, "Okay, I'll give you the other hundred." 375 00:14:23,066 --> 00:14:24,233 Did you ever give her that other hundred? 376 00:14:24,300 --> 00:14:25,500 - [Carole] Yes, ma'am. - [Judge DiMango] Okay. 377 00:14:25,567 --> 00:14:27,734 So you have $1,200, which I think is reflected... 378 00:14:27,800 --> 00:14:28,834 - Uh-hmm. - [Judge DiMango] ... in the papers. 379 00:14:28,900 --> 00:14:30,934 Why does she not only owe you $93? 380 00:14:31,000 --> 00:14:32,000 - 'Cause the truth... - Yeah. 381 00:14:32,066 --> 00:14:34,900 ... really is, and I'm not saying I would go this way, 382 00:14:34,967 --> 00:14:36,300 if you only had to pay 383 00:14:36,367 --> 00:14:37,367 - the office fees... - Uh-hmm. 384 00:14:37,433 --> 00:14:38,967 [Judge DiMango] ... that would be 90 and if you only have the tax, 385 00:14:39,033 --> 00:14:40,100 that would be 93. 386 00:14:40,165 --> 00:14:41,300 - That would be a wash. - [Christina] Right. Yeah. 387 00:14:41,367 --> 00:14:43,433 If you had to pay all of the fees, 388 00:14:43,500 --> 00:14:44,967 - that would be 290. - [Christina] Uh-hmm. 389 00:14:45,033 --> 00:14:47,266 [Judge DiMango] And if you have to pay the saddle, it'll be 293. 390 00:14:47,333 --> 00:14:49,333 That would be a wash. Where it's not a wash 391 00:14:49,400 --> 00:14:51,667 is if I find one of you owes the other one more. 392 00:14:52,900 --> 00:14:55,200 [announcer] Coming up on Tribunal Justice. 393 00:14:55,266 --> 00:14:57,967 This isn't a case about a $93 tax 394 00:14:58,033 --> 00:15:02,133 and it's not a case about a $290 entrance fee. 395 00:15:02,200 --> 00:15:03,533 It's about respect. 396 00:15:03,600 --> 00:15:04,600 Is that right? 397 00:15:04,667 --> 00:15:05,800 - Yes. - Yes. 398 00:15:05,867 --> 00:15:06,834 [dramatic musical sting] 399 00:15:08,667 --> 00:15:10,000 [theme music plays] 400 00:15:10,066 --> 00:15:14,266 [announcer] Horse event organizer Carole Bennett is suing Christina Ciaccio 401 00:15:14,333 --> 00:15:15,900 for an unpaid entry fee 402 00:15:15,967 --> 00:15:18,467 after Christina canceled at the last minute. 403 00:15:18,533 --> 00:15:21,200 But Christina claimed she was too sick to ride 404 00:15:21,266 --> 00:15:24,333 and is countersuing for a balance owed on a saddle 405 00:15:24,400 --> 00:15:27,100 Carole bought from Christina's store. 406 00:15:27,166 --> 00:15:28,367 [Judge DiMango] You had a contract. 407 00:15:28,433 --> 00:15:30,767 This is what I have here. Rules and regulations. 408 00:15:30,834 --> 00:15:31,834 - Okay. - You have this. 409 00:15:31,900 --> 00:15:35,300 And in it it says that all the entries have to be postmarked 410 00:15:35,367 --> 00:15:37,533 - no later than 10 days before the show. - Uh-hmm. 411 00:15:37,600 --> 00:15:38,633 - [Judge DiMango] You know that, right? - Right. 412 00:15:38,700 --> 00:15:40,000 [Judge DiMango] That's why you got in there right away. 413 00:15:40,066 --> 00:15:41,165 - Uh-hmm. - [Judge DiMango] Second thing 414 00:15:41,233 --> 00:15:43,633 it says is that all the correct fees 415 00:15:43,700 --> 00:15:46,967 must accompany that, because they take on riders 416 00:15:47,033 --> 00:15:48,633 on a first-come-first-serve basis. 417 00:15:48,700 --> 00:15:49,767 We all agree so far? 418 00:15:49,834 --> 00:15:50,967 - Right. - [Judge DiMango] Ladies? Yes. 419 00:15:51,033 --> 00:15:55,100 The reason why she let you schedule without payment in full 420 00:15:55,165 --> 00:15:57,033 is because she has a history with you. 421 00:15:57,100 --> 00:15:58,165 - Yes? - Yes, ma'am. 422 00:15:58,233 --> 00:15:59,300 - [Judge DiMango] Yes? - [Christina] Uh-hmm. 423 00:15:59,367 --> 00:16:01,300 [Judge DiMango] So she gave you till the last minute. 424 00:16:01,367 --> 00:16:04,367 Interestingly, all this other little battling stuff 425 00:16:04,433 --> 00:16:07,400 that we see in this courtroom and that was just brought up 426 00:16:07,467 --> 00:16:11,300 has a lot to do with the history that you both have with one another. 427 00:16:11,367 --> 00:16:13,166 - Uh-hmm. - You worked for her for a while, right? 428 00:16:13,233 --> 00:16:14,367 [Carole] Yes, ma'am. 429 00:16:14,433 --> 00:16:17,734 And you were upset that she said to you on occasion, 430 00:16:17,800 --> 00:16:20,133 "You can't work Wednesday 'cause Wednesday I got--" 431 00:16:20,200 --> 00:16:21,367 And you were like, "Wait a minute. 432 00:16:21,433 --> 00:16:23,367 I thought you guaranteed me every Wednesday." 433 00:16:23,433 --> 00:16:24,800 Am I right about that? 434 00:16:24,867 --> 00:16:28,500 Judge, I live 40 minutes away, and she promised me those days. 435 00:16:28,567 --> 00:16:30,567 Okay. So she made a promise to you 436 00:16:30,633 --> 00:16:33,033 that you were going to work a particular day of the week, 437 00:16:33,100 --> 00:16:36,133 Wednesday, because the woman who you replaced worked on Wednesday. 438 00:16:36,200 --> 00:16:37,333 Yes, ma'am. 439 00:16:37,400 --> 00:16:40,500 And then on Wednesday, you go. She goes, "I don't really need you." 440 00:16:40,567 --> 00:16:43,133 And you said to her, "You know, I drove 40 minutes to get here 441 00:16:43,200 --> 00:16:44,400 and I needed the income 442 00:16:44,467 --> 00:16:45,767 and I really thought we were gonna stick with it." 443 00:16:45,834 --> 00:16:49,100 And I'm gonna tell you, when I read it, I said, "It almost looks to me 444 00:16:49,165 --> 00:16:53,500 like you canceled the night before the show to get back at her." 445 00:16:53,567 --> 00:16:55,367 - No. - And I'm--I know you're gonna say no. 446 00:16:55,433 --> 00:16:57,533 I said what it looks like to me, 447 00:16:57,600 --> 00:17:01,633 because you were sick just a day before, right? 448 00:17:01,700 --> 00:17:02,767 No. It just got worse, unfortunately. 449 00:17:02,834 --> 00:17:03,834 [Judge DiMango] You were sick the day before that too, right? 450 00:17:03,900 --> 00:17:04,900 Yeah. 451 00:17:04,967 --> 00:17:06,633 [Judge DiMango] And your daughter was sick the day before that. 452 00:17:06,700 --> 00:17:08,066 - Yeah. - In fact, the doctor's note, 453 00:17:08,133 --> 00:17:09,767 - which says nothing really other than... - [Christina] Yeah. 454 00:17:09,834 --> 00:17:13,133 ... can you please write me a note, doctor, and the doctor writing down things 455 00:17:13,200 --> 00:17:15,165 that he didn't feel would be a commitment for him... 456 00:17:15,233 --> 00:17:16,433 - Uh-hmm. - ... says, 457 00:17:16,500 --> 00:17:20,767 "Patient had a doctor's appointment today, May 23rd. 458 00:17:20,834 --> 00:17:23,800 She is under evaluation 459 00:17:23,867 --> 00:17:26,500 for some chronic symptoms. 460 00:17:26,567 --> 00:17:28,433 She is not contagious." 461 00:17:28,500 --> 00:17:30,367 - So she could go to school. - [Christina] Uh-hmm. 462 00:17:30,433 --> 00:17:34,100 "But she may not be able to participate completely." 463 00:17:34,166 --> 00:17:38,333 Makes sense. "Until we figure out what is causing her symptoms." 464 00:17:38,400 --> 00:17:40,166 Now, I don't know what her symptoms are 465 00:17:40,233 --> 00:17:41,533 because this note doesn't tell us what they are. 466 00:17:41,600 --> 00:17:43,233 - Uh-hmm. - [Judge DiMango] We just know 467 00:17:43,300 --> 00:17:45,834 she's not contagious and that she visited him. 468 00:17:45,900 --> 00:17:48,166 So she was capable of riding 469 00:17:48,233 --> 00:17:51,233 on the back of a horse in my view on 12/03. 470 00:17:51,300 --> 00:17:54,333 She was out, unfortunately. We had the respiratory and... 471 00:17:54,400 --> 00:17:56,166 I get that she was sick but I don't-- 472 00:17:56,233 --> 00:17:57,233 - to be honest with you. - She was out, yeah. 473 00:17:57,300 --> 00:17:59,266 I think you're exaggerating, 'cause I could see you in here. 474 00:17:59,333 --> 00:18:00,567 You just wanna make a point. 475 00:18:00,633 --> 00:18:01,800 - And I think... - No. 476 00:18:01,867 --> 00:18:03,166 ... you're willing to go off on a tangent on it. 477 00:18:03,233 --> 00:18:04,967 You have no note 478 00:18:05,033 --> 00:18:07,667 because you said you were so bad off, you were close to pneumonia. 479 00:18:07,734 --> 00:18:10,700 What doctor told you you were gonna get pneumonia 480 00:18:10,767 --> 00:18:12,834 and didn't give you a note, didn't give you a chest X-ray, 481 00:18:12,900 --> 00:18:14,400 and didn't give you an antibiotic? 482 00:18:14,467 --> 00:18:15,533 - What doctor? - [Carole] Good point. 483 00:18:15,600 --> 00:18:17,233 - [Judge DiMango] None. None. - I didn't wanna go to urgent care. 484 00:18:17,300 --> 00:18:18,600 - I just... - [Judge DiMango] Excuse me? 485 00:18:18,667 --> 00:18:21,166 I--I'm not insured in a health insurance 486 00:18:21,233 --> 00:18:25,633 and I didn't have the money to go to urgent care and so I stayed home. 487 00:18:25,700 --> 00:18:27,400 And I had to take care of my kids and, unfortunately... 488 00:18:27,467 --> 00:18:29,633 Who told you you had pneumonia? 489 00:18:29,700 --> 00:18:31,767 I couldn't--my lungs-- 490 00:18:31,834 --> 00:18:32,967 I had a hard time breathing and there was... 491 00:18:33,033 --> 00:18:35,400 - So no one--so no doctor told you? - No doctor told me that, no. 492 00:18:35,467 --> 00:18:37,400 [Judge DiMango] Okay. Judge Levy. 493 00:18:37,467 --> 00:18:39,367 - [exhales] - [laughter] 494 00:18:39,433 --> 00:18:40,533 [Judge Acker] Oxygen mask. 495 00:18:41,600 --> 00:18:45,133 This isn't a case about a $93 tax 496 00:18:45,200 --> 00:18:50,066 and it's not a case about a nonrefundable $290 entrance fee. 497 00:18:50,867 --> 00:18:51,934 It's about respect. 498 00:18:53,233 --> 00:18:54,233 Is that right? 499 00:18:54,300 --> 00:18:56,200 - Yes. - Yes. I put on these shows 500 00:18:56,266 --> 00:18:58,333 because we wanna help the community. 501 00:18:58,400 --> 00:18:59,533 They are schooling shows. 502 00:18:59,600 --> 00:19:02,433 Everything comes out of my husband and my pocket. 503 00:19:02,500 --> 00:19:05,467 And we do it because we love the community. 504 00:19:05,533 --> 00:19:07,533 - If a horse is sick... - [Judge Levy] I get it. 505 00:19:07,600 --> 00:19:09,033 ... that's a different story than a person. 506 00:19:09,100 --> 00:19:11,700 I get it. Do you understand that? 507 00:19:11,767 --> 00:19:14,333 Your Honor, I never said I wasn't gonna pay her. 508 00:19:14,400 --> 00:19:17,900 I was trying to understand because we did shows, like I said, 509 00:19:17,967 --> 00:19:19,633 and we always-- we can scratch the classes before. But... 510 00:19:19,700 --> 00:19:22,400 No, no. When you say that you wanted to understand... 511 00:19:22,467 --> 00:19:23,467 [Christina] Yes. 512 00:19:23,533 --> 00:19:25,100 - ... you're a smart lady. - [Christina] Yes. 513 00:19:25,166 --> 00:19:27,367 [Judge Levy] You understand what she was telling you 514 00:19:27,433 --> 00:19:31,500 that the reason we have a non-refund policy 515 00:19:31,567 --> 00:19:34,900 is because if people cancel at the last minute, 516 00:19:34,967 --> 00:19:38,967 there's a snowball effect and it affects the bottom line. 517 00:19:39,033 --> 00:19:42,066 And it goes back to May 31st. 518 00:19:42,133 --> 00:19:46,533 Again, this whole issue with the non-refund policy was December, 519 00:19:46,934 --> 00:19:50,133 but it was in May, according to the text messages, 520 00:19:50,200 --> 00:19:51,934 that involved your mom. 521 00:19:52,000 --> 00:19:53,066 Mom, why don't you step up? 522 00:19:54,500 --> 00:19:55,567 [exhales] 523 00:19:55,633 --> 00:19:58,967 There comes a time in May 524 00:19:59,033 --> 00:20:02,667 that you put your house and the ranch on the market. 525 00:20:02,734 --> 00:20:05,767 You're selling it. You're looking to sell your house, right? 526 00:20:05,834 --> 00:20:07,000 Exactly. 527 00:20:07,066 --> 00:20:09,500 - And she was gonna send her, um... - [Judge Levy] Right. 528 00:20:09,567 --> 00:20:11,100 [Carole] ... her contractor out to look at it. 529 00:20:11,166 --> 00:20:12,934 [Judge Levy] First of all, you are hoping that her mom 530 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:15,900 was going to either purchase it or be involved in it 531 00:20:15,967 --> 00:20:17,834 and that it was going to be a sale 532 00:20:17,900 --> 00:20:21,033 and you'd have money for yourself and your family, right? 533 00:20:21,100 --> 00:20:25,166 - Yes, sir. - And you told the defendant on May 31st 534 00:20:25,233 --> 00:20:28,567 that your mom was coming out tomorrow at 10:00. 535 00:20:28,633 --> 00:20:31,266 That is your mom who's coming out tomorrow at 10:00. 536 00:20:31,333 --> 00:20:35,333 You said, "Long shot but who knows." 537 00:20:35,400 --> 00:20:36,667 - Right? - Yes, sir. 538 00:20:36,734 --> 00:20:39,500 Now, on the next day, when you were supposed to be there 539 00:20:39,567 --> 00:20:42,800 with your contractor, you didn't show up, right? 540 00:20:42,867 --> 00:20:44,100 My contractor didn't show up. He couldn't-- 541 00:20:44,166 --> 00:20:45,800 - [Judge Levy] You didn't show up. - She--no. 542 00:20:45,867 --> 00:20:47,133 She knew I was out of town. 543 00:20:47,200 --> 00:20:48,567 I was leaving for San Francisco that day. 544 00:20:48,633 --> 00:20:50,066 - So your contractor... - [Julia] He was supposed to... 545 00:20:50,133 --> 00:20:52,233 - ... who was acting on your behalf... - [Julia] Yes. 546 00:20:52,300 --> 00:20:54,467 - ... was supposed to show up. - And he called her. 547 00:20:54,533 --> 00:20:56,000 [Judge Levy] Right? And he doesn't show up? 548 00:20:56,066 --> 00:20:58,600 - Correct. - [Judge Levy] And then you, Ms. Bennett, 549 00:20:58,667 --> 00:21:01,300 you contact Ms. Salisbury 550 00:21:01,367 --> 00:21:05,834 and you were upset that you got stood up, that no one showed, right? 551 00:21:05,900 --> 00:21:07,367 - Probably. - [Judge Levy] Probably? 552 00:21:07,433 --> 00:21:10,433 - That's what happened. She was pissed. - She was calling me. 553 00:21:10,500 --> 00:21:13,967 [Judge Levy] She was so furious that according to you, Ms. Salisbury, 554 00:21:14,033 --> 00:21:16,433 that neither you nor your contractor showed, 555 00:21:16,500 --> 00:21:20,266 defendant's mother, that's you, tried to reschedule 556 00:21:20,333 --> 00:21:23,367 and had to "endure"-- this is what you wrote in your statement. 557 00:21:23,433 --> 00:21:24,433 [Julia] Right. I did. 558 00:21:24,500 --> 00:21:27,066 [Judge Levy] Endure the most abusive 559 00:21:27,133 --> 00:21:29,867 - and threatening text message tirade... - Uh-hmm. 560 00:21:29,934 --> 00:21:31,700 [Judge Levy] ... at the hands of the plaintiff. 561 00:21:31,767 --> 00:21:33,333 - Uh-hmm. - [Judge Levy] "So abusive, 562 00:21:33,400 --> 00:21:36,233 I was frightened and visibly shaking." 563 00:21:36,300 --> 00:21:38,533 - That's what you wrote. - Yes, I did. 564 00:21:38,600 --> 00:21:41,100 And you of course told your daughter about that. 565 00:21:41,166 --> 00:21:42,367 Yes. I called her because I was like, "She won't..." 566 00:21:42,433 --> 00:21:43,834 [Judge Levy] You told your daughter about that. 567 00:21:43,900 --> 00:21:45,066 Yes. I was frightened. 568 00:21:45,133 --> 00:21:48,066 And then we have June 1st, the very next day. 569 00:21:48,133 --> 00:21:52,767 You, ma'am, are scheduled to work at the defendant's retail shop, right? 570 00:21:52,834 --> 00:21:53,967 Yes, sir. 571 00:21:54,033 --> 00:21:58,567 [Judge Levy] And she, the defendant, tells you, "I'm good to work tomorrow. 572 00:21:58,633 --> 00:22:00,333 You don't need to come in." 573 00:22:00,400 --> 00:22:02,433 So now she's telling you at the last minute, 574 00:22:02,500 --> 00:22:04,467 we got a schedule, you got a schedule. 575 00:22:04,533 --> 00:22:08,300 We know that you travel 40 minutes to get to work, 576 00:22:08,367 --> 00:22:10,834 that you count on that money for your family. 577 00:22:10,900 --> 00:22:12,066 We don't need you. 578 00:22:12,133 --> 00:22:14,367 And you said, "That really doesn't work for me. 579 00:22:14,433 --> 00:22:16,200 I planned my day around working." 580 00:22:16,266 --> 00:22:18,333 And she says, "I'm sorry." 581 00:22:18,400 --> 00:22:20,133 You said, "Please explain." 582 00:22:20,200 --> 00:22:22,200 And she says, "I don't need you tomorrow. 583 00:22:22,266 --> 00:22:23,867 Sorry for your inconvenience." 584 00:22:23,934 --> 00:22:27,700 A day after your conversation with her mom 585 00:22:27,767 --> 00:22:30,100 when you got blown off by her mom and a contractor 586 00:22:30,166 --> 00:22:31,834 to come take a look at your house. 587 00:22:31,900 --> 00:22:33,066 Remember all that? 588 00:22:33,133 --> 00:22:35,333 - You remember all that? - Yes, sir. 589 00:22:35,400 --> 00:22:37,133 You didn't tell her that you spoke to your mom 590 00:22:37,200 --> 00:22:40,934 and you know what happened the day before in any of those texts, but you knew that. 591 00:22:41,000 --> 00:22:42,000 Yes. 592 00:22:42,066 --> 00:22:43,734 [Judge Levy] And that was a contributing cause 593 00:22:43,800 --> 00:22:46,967 to you telling her, "Don't bother showing up at work." 594 00:22:47,033 --> 00:22:48,734 - Yes or no? - Yes, sir. 595 00:22:48,800 --> 00:22:52,767 [Judge Levy] And then on June 6th, goes on to how much you need the money 596 00:22:52,834 --> 00:22:55,100 and you did not appreciate that. 597 00:22:55,166 --> 00:22:56,867 That's what you sent to her, right? 598 00:22:56,934 --> 00:22:58,333 - [Carole] Yes, sir. - What did you mean by that, 599 00:22:58,400 --> 00:23:00,133 that you don't appreciate that? 600 00:23:00,200 --> 00:23:03,233 I just didn't think it was respectful 'cause we had a different agreement 601 00:23:03,300 --> 00:23:05,800 and she changed it at the 11th and a half hour. 602 00:23:05,867 --> 00:23:07,400 She didn't even call me to tell me not to come in. 603 00:23:07,467 --> 00:23:08,633 It was when I came in. 604 00:23:08,700 --> 00:23:10,567 [announcer] On the next Tribunal Justice. 605 00:23:10,633 --> 00:23:12,600 I never committed to the horse show, Your Honor. 606 00:23:12,667 --> 00:23:15,533 There's a history with her. Is that right? 607 00:23:17,433 --> 00:23:18,433 They don't get along. 608 00:23:18,500 --> 00:23:20,300 I've already had my run-ins with her. 609 00:23:20,367 --> 00:23:21,667 That's for sure. 610 00:23:21,734 --> 00:23:24,166 We're fine. We don't need this aggravation. 611 00:23:24,233 --> 00:23:26,266 I offered to pay for the horse show. 612 00:23:26,333 --> 00:23:27,767 I told her. She blew up, okay? 613 00:23:27,834 --> 00:23:30,967 I feel like you all just need to like get on a horse, 614 00:23:31,033 --> 00:23:33,100 relax, ride off into the sunset, 615 00:23:33,166 --> 00:23:35,633 and then just let it all like wash off. 616 00:23:35,700 --> 00:23:38,367 [announcer] Next time on Tribunal Justice. 617 00:23:38,433 --> 00:23:40,767 Did someone break an agreement? 618 00:23:40,834 --> 00:23:44,200 Let Tribunal Justice decide your case. 619 00:23:44,266 --> 00:23:46,867 Find us on social media. 620 00:23:46,934 --> 00:23:50,133 ["Ride of the Valkyries" plays]