How To Tell If Someone Is Lying, According To The "Hot Bench" Judges

"Hot Bench" is a TV courtroom show (created by Judge Judy!) with a panel of three judges. The premise is simple: Judge Tanya Acker, Judge Patricia DiMango and Judge Michael Corriero hear each case, then talk amongst themselves before rendering a verdict.

The three may not always agree, but they've definitely got a rhythm going, especially after 1,000 episodes! At this point, can they point out right off the bat who is telling the truth and who isn't? 

Rach asked the trio of experts about "tells" that someone is lying, pointing out that her mom always knew she wasn't being honest as a kid because her ears would turn red.

"I think parents assume that you're lying, and we start from there. And that's why you think, 'They always find out when I'm lying,'" Michael says with a laugh. When it comes to the cases on their show, the "Hot Bench" judges say they know what to look — and listen — for.

HOW TO TELL IF SOMEONE IS LYING

1. Is the person's story consistent?

"I look for consistency," Tanya says. "When the story just doesn't add up… some things should make sense. You aren't in two places at the same time. Does it have legs? Does it hold up?"

2. How does the person present the facts?

Patricia adds that when it comes to someone's story, "their demeanor and how they present their case and the facts" can be very telling.

3. Is the person slow to respond to a simple yes or no question?

One major sign that someone isn't being completely honest? "When you ask a question that really warrants a simple yes or no answer and they're sort of thinking about it," Patricia continues. "They're trying to figure out, 'What answer is going to help me the most?' That's also a sign."

RELATED: Why You Should Never Lie to 'Hot Bench's' Judge Patricia DiMango

4. Does the person avoid making eye contact?

Even without the verbal clues, the judges agree that if someone avoids making eye contact, they probably have something to hide.

Good to know!