Completely agree. However, when only one party is there to answer questions, the judge is left with whether to believe or not believe what the plaintiff is sayi

Completely agree. However, when only one party is there to answer questions, the judge is left with whether to believe or not believe what the plaintiff is saying. If that is the case, the reverse would also have to apply. Currently if the plaintiff doesn't show up the case is dismissed. If only one party is required though, now the defendant is left to argue why he/she is not guilty. That doesn't work either.