Judge Judy & The People's Court  − 22 January, 2008

Another guilty (no pun intended!) pleasure of mine is watching the real life courtroom dramas of The People’s Court with Judge Marilyn Milian and Judge Judy with Judge Judith Shiendlin.
I love the cases and learning the law. I always think that perhaps such knowledge could come in handy some day, if nothing else, than to protect my interests in some future venture. Like getting everything in writing. So often we get involved in a verbal contract with a friend or acquaintance, think that it’s set in stone and then the person reneges. I, myself, have gotten screwed in verbal contracts, but in the interest of maintaining the relationship, I have not pursued my due. At least knowing my rights is empowering, so that I know what my options are, and then being able to make an informed decision.
I think most of us, at one time or another, have had cause to take someone to court. Most of do not go through life unscathed. In fact, I am sure that there are tons of people out there who should be taking someone else to court but don’t due to the time and expense or that they don’t know their rights.
I also like watching some of the ridiculous people. The liars, the charlatans – the folks who get caught by the judge taking someone for a ride. I like the no-nonsense attitude of the judges. I like the fact that they make people stop and take responsibility for their actions. Of course, some of the folks still don’t “get it” but at least they pay.
Judge Judy is especially a hoot. Being raised in New Jersey, she is like every other tough, cool Aunt who scares you a little, but you bask in her praise, too. Judge Milian is also a toughie and certainly brings a down to earth Latina flair into the court room.
I always feel bad for the people who are victimized – even when they win, it is obvious the pitiful settlement really makes up for the anguish they go through. I know there are limits in small claims court, but I do feel badly for the victims. And the crazy family situations I see on those shows make me appreciate my relatively normal family even more.
I see the seedier side of life and it makes me happy to be where I am in life. I am glad I never fell in to some of the traps I see less jaded people get caught in. I see successful women fall for losers and I am glad I made a good choice. I see bad parenting and bless my own parents for their tough love.
The one type of cases that always gets me are the pet cases – the dogs mauled by other dogs or bad breeders who sell a sick pup to an unsuspecting customer and it dies. Of course, buyer beware, but I still feel bad. The dog mauling cases are usually the same – poor, tiny breed dog on a leash is attacked by a loose, aggressive pit or bully breed (frequently a pit bull or rottweiler). It always makes me mad because it is a sad situation that can be avoided. Frequently the aggressive dog has a history of roaming and biting and despite citations and warnings the owners do nothing. Until they are sued of course, in which case, they claim Spot is “so sweet” he “wouldn’t hurt a fly” or somesuch. Usually the judge holds them responsible, which vindicates the owner of the hapless victim, but the really never recover all they lost in the attack… a court verdict can only do so much.
So, I watch when I can and enjoy it thoroughly. Real people, real cases – real entertaining.