Summary As a favor, Malcolm agrees to take some of Eddie's prized hat collection to be cleaned. However, while Malcolm and Leonard are making a quick stop at a convenience store, a thief steals Eddie's hats. After learning that his partner neglected to lock the car, Eddie demands that Malcolm include $1,000 for his hats on an insurance claim. But after finding that Malcolm isn't covered for theft, Eddie decides to sue. When the case is accepted for TV's "Citizen's Court," Malcolm and Eddie arrive to present their respective arguments before Judge Joseph Wapner. When called to the stand, Eddie accuses Malcolm of negligence. In his own defense, Malcolm claims that the theft was an act of God. And though Malcolm calls him as a witness, Leonard cannot help but try to please both of his bosses. So, after hearing the case, Judge Wapner dismisses Leonard as an unreliable witness before retiring to make his decision. Back in the courtroom, Judge Wapner makes it clear that Malcolm acted negligently by leaving the car unlocked. However, after getting a look at pictures provided by Eddie, he declares the hats are worth only $40. And after ordering Malcolm to pay, the judge reprimands both parties for letting the case threaten their friendship. Following the TV trial, Malcolm offers to pay Eddie the $1,000 he wanted. And once Malcolm gives him the check, Eddie promptly tears it up in order to restore their friendship. Finally, in response to a reward offered by Malcolm, Eddie gets his hats back for a mere $5.

• Comedy
• Sitcom