Judge Judy

Judge Judy is a reality courtroom show from CBS starring former New York family court judge Judith Sheindlin as she takes real-life small claims cases. Judge Judy’s signature style is her sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude, which she uses to help her sniff out even the smallest deceits from her eccentric plaintiffs and defendants. She hands out lightning quick judgments, wasting no time for usless details or procrastination. After a case is closed, the defendant and plaintiff briefly encounter each other outside the courtroom to discuss Judge Judy’s ruling. Aiding the Judge is bailiff Petri Hawkins-Byrd, who exchanges playful banter with the Judge but also keeps order in the court. A small claims court is one in which damages no more than $5,000 can be awarded. Judge Judy premiered in 1996 and has been the highest-rated courtroom reality show ever since, with Judge Judy Sheindlin’s forthright approach and thirteen Daytime Emmy Award nominations trumping competitors such as Judge Joe Brown. MORE