He offered court-filed documents and materials from the builder.
These documents, he claimed, proved the lake was private.
Judge Judy asked if he had anything dated after 1995.
Mr. Smith confirmed they did have more recent documents.
His wife, who was also the treasurer of the Mallet Lake Homeowners Association, came forward.
She presented a letter from Mr. Davis, the builder.
This letter was addressed to Mr. Coward's Homeowners Association.
It stated that the information they printed in their newsletters was incorrect.
The builder's letter asserted that the lake was private for residents only.
Signs and Pictures
Mr. Smith also mentioned signs posted in the area.
These signs stated "No soliciting, privately, no fishing, no swimming, no boating, and no skating."
He claimed these signs were in the area where Mr. Coward was fishing.
Mr. Smith also presented pictures to Judge Judy.
The content of these pictures was not fully described.
However, they were mentioned in relation to the fishing poles.
Judge Judy's Assessment of Mr. Smith's Temper
Judge Judy observed Mr. Smith's demeanor.
She noted his "hot temper."
This observation seemed to influence her assessment of the altercation.
Mr. Smith became agitated during the proceedings.
He interrupted Judge Judy and spoke over her.
He expressed frustration about people fishing on his lake.
The Legality of Self-Help
Judge Judy addressed Mr. Smith's actions.
She explained that even if he was right about the lake being private, he had no right to disturb Mr. Coward's property.
His proper recourse, if Mr. Coward was trespassing, was to call the local authorities.
He should have had them removed.
Mr. Smith stated they had called the authorities.
He implied it did not work to his satisfaction.
Therefore, he decided to take matters into his own hands.
The Damaged Fishing Poles
Mr. Coward sought damages for his fishing poles.
He claimed Mr. Smith pulled them into the water.
Mr. Smith denied seeing fishing poles in the water.
He mentioned his 20-foot boat.
Judge Judy dismissed Mr. Smith's denial as ridiculous.
She focused on Mr. Smith's decision to act unilaterally.
The Verdict
Judge Judy concluded that Mr. Smith took matters into his own hands.
He did so because he was not getting satisfaction from the sheriff's department.
The judge ruled in favor of Mr. Coward.
Mr. Coward was awarded $227.70.
The case concluded with Mr. Smith expressing his continued frustration.