Faq

Q. I'm here for the first time, because someone sent me a summons by e-mail. Whats the deal?
A. First of all, you're not in any trouble. Court of Opinion is a mock online court made up of judges from the Internet community. We invite you to have fun, defend yourself and submit the case for judgment. There is no penalty for losing your case, but winning does get you unlimited bragging rights. However, if you want nothing to do with the case, or don't appreciate the unsolicited e-mail, you may click here and we'll make sure no further communication is sent to you from this site. Of course, we hope you come back when you're in a better mood.
Q. Do I need to register?
A. Not to defend yourself in a case or view recent cases. Registration is only required if you want full access to the site.
Q. Are you for real?
A. Yes and no. The Court of Opinion is for entertainment purposes only and we're not associated with any actual court or legal system. The decisions and opinions you may read or render here are not legally binding. However, when you win a case, it's pretty satisfying to be right. For more information, visit About at the bottom of this page.
Q. How do I submit a case?
A. You can't. Just kidding, just create an account, click on "plead a case", and follow the instructions. It's easy, fun and free.
Q. How do I judge a case?
A. That's easy. Just create an account, click on "be a judge", and judge away.
Q. Can anyone be a judge?
A. Yes.
Q. If I'm judging cases, can I opt out of e-mail notifications?
A. Yes. Judges may select the opt-out button at the bottom of every judgment form. All cases you judge will appear in your My Cases folder. To get final results without e-mail notifications, select "cases I've judged" within your My Cases folder.
Q. Do you block inappropriate material and users?
A. We do our best. Material on Court of Opinion is managed by members. We've provided an easy way to flag cases or members who post inappropriate material. This option is available in every case screen, and we do our best to stem improper usage, but no system is perfect.
Q. Free? What's the catch? You must be selling e-mail addresses.
A. Nope. The Court of Opinion protects your personal information like a mother bear protects her cubs. It was founded by two guys who hate spam as much as you do. Or more, maybe.

plead a case

File suit and serve someone
with an e-summons to appear
before the court.

be a judge

View pending cases and
render judgment.

seek wise counsel

Create a one-party case and request
advice from a panel of judges.

case of the week

See the best cases recently
settled by the court.