Judge Judy

Since first viewing Judge Judy shy of six months ago, I have been hooked upon ITV2's daily triple bill of her show.

Real-life small claim (i.e. below $5000) cases are settled in the courtroom of Judge Judy. Beside her stands the silent bailiff Byrd; and as the plaintiff and defendant, along with any witnesses they chose to bring, relay their versions of the story. Judge Judy is quick to pick out any holes in the story; giving the subject one more chance to start talking honestly. It takes little more than a second for her to bring down an entire argument on accounts of one weakness, unveiling the clear truth. Whichever side is winning, Judge Judy takes the time to offer a blunt review of each person's behaviour, leaving them with sound advice for the future. Thus one way or another, a lesson is learnt. Judge Judy is quick to analyse the entire case, rarely exhibiting bias, and in minutes provide a lucid, logical answer as to who is in the right, and who in the wrong, and what the judgement should be.

Judge Judy is intelligent, blunt, and a great icon of Justice. I never get tired of her show, despite the frequently similarly structured cases. This is a great way to unwind, and from the mistakes of others and their scrutiny by Judith Sheindlin, you learn some terrific lessons in life, as well as about America's justice system. 9/10