General Question

kelly's avatar

How are the judgements on the "Judge" TV shows enforced?

Asked by kelly (1918points) May 4th, 2010

Judge Mathis, Judge Judy, The People’s Court etc hear small claims suits and render judgement. Parties to the suit are from all over the country, so how and where are the judgements enforced? Usually the Judge’s Order is filed with the circuit clerk in the county where the suit is heard. Have any Flutherites been on or know someone who has been a party to one of these TV small claims shows? If so, what conditions does the show put on paying the judgement, if any?

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3 Answers

marinelife's avatar

From wikipedia regarding how Judge Judy works:

“If the parties agree to be on the show and sign a waiver, agreeing that arbitration in Sheindlin’s court is final and cannot be pursued elsewhere (unless she dismisses the lawsuit without prejudice), their case will air on Judge Judy.[12] The award limit on Judge Judy, as on most ‘syndi-court’ shows (and most small claims courts in the U.S.), is $5,000. The award for each judgment is paid by the producers of the show, from a fund reserved for each case. About forty percent of the cases are money judgments, while the remaining sixty percent are either dismissed or there is an order for an exchange of property.[13]

Both the plaintiff and the defendant receive $100 for their appearance as well as $35 a day, paid to them by the show. The litigants’ stay lasts for the number of days that the show does taping for that week, which is two or three days.[14][15] In addition, the airfare (or other means of travel) and hotel expenses of the litigants and their witnesses are covered by the show. If there is an exchange of property, Sheindlin signs an order and a sheriff or marshal oversees the exchange.”

thriftymaid's avatar

The shows pay the judgments.

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