Latest news with #JudgeJudy
Chicago Tribune
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
‘Justice on Trial' review: Judge Judy's speeches about legal principles are out of step with the moment
'Judge Judy' aired in syndication for 25 years before star Judy Sheindlin pulled up stakes and moved to Amazon to do a similar (but lesser) version of the series called 'Judy Justice.' That kind of multi-decade success has allowed her to build a mini-TV empire in the latter portion of her career, producing (though not appearing on) shows including 'Hot Bench' and 'Tribunal Justice.' But she's back in front of the camera for her latest series, called 'Justice on Trial.' The premise is straightforward: With Sheindlin presiding as judge and attorneys Larry Bakman and Dan Mentzer as the attorneys facing off, a real court case is recreated on a television set, moot court-style, and interspersed with dramatic recreations of the crime itself. It's a ripped-from-the-headlines sensibility. 'While we're not going to recreate the trials verbatim, all the courts' ultimate decisions are accurate,' Sheindlin says at the top of each episode. 'It will be up to you to decide whether the case was fair and the outcome just.' The show's tagline: 'Real cases. Actual lawyers. Surprising verdicts.' To assess the series, it's worth thinking about why the original 'Judge Judy' remained popular for so long. The schadenfreude of watching her tear into someone who was refusing to take responsibility was a big factor. But I always liked that the show featured a cross section of Americans whose lives are rarely given much attention on TV. Grievances and interpersonal clashes of the poor and working class were taken just as seriously as anyone else's. All were equal before the withering gaze of Judge Judy. The show was shamelessly tacky, which was perhaps some of the appeal as well, which has only gotten more pronounced with her subsequent efforts. Perhaps 'Justice on Trial' is an effort to combat some of that, because instead of exploiting yet another interpersonal conflict for ratings, the intention here seems focused on helping laypeople understand why, as Sheindlin says in every intro, 'justice doesn't always end up feeling just.' She's trying to explain how the law works. Sure. Fine. Great. But the context in which the show is premiering makes this a surreal project, where legal rights and principles we were once told were sacrosanct are being eroded. It's hard to take anything Sheindlin says seriously, considering the real-world backdrop we're currently living through. A disclaimer runs at the beginning of each episode: 'Although some details have been altered, the outcomes are very real.' What details have been altered, and why? No information is forthcoming. Some of the cases are more interesting than others. The most fascinating, from the late 1980s, involves an abusive father who is also a diplomat from Zimbabwe who claims he can't be prosecuted because he has diplomatic immunity. Sheindlin actually ruled on the case before it was appealed to a higher court. The man is accused of beating his 9-year-old son and the details are gruesome; the boy says he was tied up by the arms and whipped, sometimes with a belt or electrical cord. His mother and sister were allegedly forced to watch. When he collapsed at school, child protective services removed him from the home. The father is seeking his son's return. According to international law, Shiendlin says, 'high-level diplomats are not subject to the laws of the foreign country where they serve. So they cannot be prosecuted for the crimes they commit. But what about the rights of a child from Zimbabwe living in America and being abused by his father?' The reasons why diplomats have immunity are explained and they make sense, but Sheindlin's researchers either could not or didn't bother to follow up and see if they could find out what fate ultimately befell the boy in the years since the case was decided. Another case involves a traffic stop that led to the discovery of a dead body. The issue at hand concerns evidence that is considered 'fruit of the poisoned tree' (a conflict beloved by 'Law & Order' writers for decades). Another case centers on a lawsuit that argues hate speech is not protected under free speech. These are all good debates. In theory. But ultimately, this feels like such a hacky exercise. In one dramatic recreation, someone drinking wine gets so upset, their hand contracts into a fist, crushing the glass they're holding. I've never seen this happen in real life, but more to the point, it's silly. The courtroom set and lighting are similar enough to that of the other shows Sheindlin produces that it's likely they're just being repurposed for this series. The judges from 'Hot Bench' are the appellate court. The overall vibe is: Sure, we're doing this on a budget in an artificial setting — with extras in the gallery as audience — but viewers are meant to take this seriously. The aesthetics, however, are that of a grimier show. 'Justice on Trial' — 2 stars (out of 4) Where to watch: Amazon
Mint
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
Who is Judge Judy? The no-nonsense judge who turned real cases into must-watch TV
Long before she became a household name, Judith Sheindlin was already shaking up the justice system. Better known by her courtroom alias, Judge Judy, Sheindlin transformed the legal television genre with her no-nonsense approach and sharp wit, serving justice from the bench—first in family court, and later, in millions of living rooms across the globe. Judge Judy made her television debut in 1996 after a 60 Minutes segment catapulted her into the public eye. At the time, she was known for her stern demeanour and zero tolerance for nonsense in Manhattan's family court. Originally appointed as a judge in 1982 by Mayor Ed Koch, she became supervising judge just four years later, overseeing emotionally charged cases involving child abuse, domestic violence, and juvenile crime. After more than two decades on the bench, she stepped into the spotlight with 'Judge Judy', an arbitration-based court show that would span 25 seasons. Though the programme was not an actual courtroom proceeding, Sheindlin did resolve real disputes as an arbitrator — a role that allowed her more flexibility than a traditional judge. She wasn't bound by the rules of civil procedure or evidence, which only added to the show's brisk and often explosive drama. Sheindlin's legal journey began in the early 1960s, when she became the only woman in her law class at American University's Washington College of Law. She then transferred to New York Law School, graduating with a juris doctorate in 1965. Her career trajectory defied expectations from the start: from cosmetics law to prosecution of violent crimes, she never shied away from uncharted territory. Her transition from legal anonymity to public figure was not planned—but it was earned. With multiple Daytime Emmy Awards to her name, and a Lifetime Achievement Emmy in 2019, Sheindlin's influence on both the judiciary and entertainment worlds is undeniable. 'Judge Judy' and its successor, 'Judy Justice', may be television shows, but the disputes are very real. The production team—according to long-time executive producer Randy Douthitt—scours court records across the U.S., thanks to the Freedom of Information Act. These cases are then pitched to the parties involved, who agree to have their matter settled by Sheindlin in a televised format. Douthitt noted that producers look for disputes with personal stakes and emotional tension—"a bit of a mini soap opera"—to captivate the audience. And yet, the decisions rendered on these shows are binding legal outcomes, making Sheindlin's arbitration a real form of alternative dispute resolution, albeit dramatised for television. Her latest venture, 'Justice on Trial', revisits controversial past cases with expert commentary and dramatic reenactments, further blurring the line between entertainment and serious legal critique. Beyond her television empire, Sheindlin has left an indelible mark on the legal education landscape. Since 2022, she has donated $5 million annually to fund full scholarships for ten women at New York Law School, covering tuition, books, and summer fellowships. It's a powerful gesture that echoes her own early struggles and achievements in a male-dominated legal environment.
Hindustan Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
What is Judge Judy's net worth? She was once listed as highest-paid TV host in the world
Judge Judy, whose real name is Judith Sheindlin, gained notoriety for being a strict, uncompromising TV judge for 30 years. She continues to work in television even at the age of 82. Judge Judy's net worth is estimated to be $440 million.(X@SavageMaveriick) The new Prime Video series 'Justice on Trial' features Judge Judy as the lead. The show focuses on eight major court cases that have impacted 340 million people and US laws, Parade reported. According to her, the show would make viewers 'a little smarter'. All eight episodes will start streaming from Monday, July 21. Notably, Judy has developed and produced this new series. What we know about Justice on Trial? Judge Judy launched Judy Justice, a new show on Amazon Freevee, following the conclusion of Judge Judy in 2021. Since its debut in November 2021, Judy Justice has aired three seasons. According to the Parade report, Justice on Trial, her new program, will be available on Prime Video. What is the net worth of Judge Judy? Judge Judy's net worth is estimated to be $440 million. Most of her net worth derives from television program Judge Judy. In 2018, Forbes listed her as the highest-paid TV host in the world. In addition to producing Hot Bench, she earned $47 million annually from her show. According to Parade, she sold CBS the rights to her previous shows for $100 million. Also Read: Where is Megan Kerrigan? Neighbors give inside details amid 'disgusting' Andy Byron's 'Coldplay' Gate scandal Judge Judy opens up about her salary Opening about her hefty salary, Judy, who is a judge in reality, said she received fair compensation because show got successful due to her. 'I can take Judge Judy anywhere. You can't make the show without me,' she told the firm she was employed with. She served as a New York family court judge before appearing on television. In 1965, she received her law degree from the New York Law School. According to the Parade, she was a corporate lawyer before taking a break to raise her children. She started working as a prosecutor in family court in 1972. Ed Koch, the mayor of New York, appointed her to a criminal court judgeship in 1982. She was reportedly promoted to Manhattan's supervising judge in 1986.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Judge Judy reveals the Menendez brothers opinion she'll get 'a lot of flak for'
All rise, again. Judge Judy is back on the TV bench with "Justice on Trial," and that death stare still slices through the legal bull as if it never stopped. Judith Sheindlin, 82, who became TV's daytime super judge with her no-nonsense demeanor on the long-running syndicated courtroom series "Judge Judy," has expanded her justice universe on Amazon Prime Video. After "Judge Judy" signed off in 2021 after 25 years and more than 7,000 episodes, Sheindlin launched "Judy Justice," presiding over an arbitration-format show with a panel that includes her granddaughter, Sarah Rose, a law clerk. In 2023, she created "Tribunal Justice," featuring three judges, including her son, Adam Levy, a former district attorney. Your Honor's new legal docuseries, "Justice on Trial" (now streaming), recreates landmark U.S. court cases – including the 100-year-old Scopes Trial. Sheindlin serves as a judge and appears (robeless) as a commentator on the legal ramifications and history. "Everybody, whether legally trained or not, has opinions about legal cases from the O.J. Simpson trial to whether the Menendez brothers should be paroled," Sheindlin tells USA TODAY. "By recreating cases, it gives an entertaining way to see if justice was served." Question: You mentioned the Menendez brothers' possible parole, which is a real possibility following Netflix's "Monster" series. Do you think Lyle and Erik Menendez should be paroled after killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, in 1989? Answer: What we know about the Menendez brothers is that they killed both of their parents. As we know, after they killed their parents, they went on a buying spree. They got a jury trial, and they were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. They've done incredibly well in prison, but that doesn't mean they get another chance. That is their sentence. Until Kitty Menendez can stand up before a judge and say, "Give them another chance," the jury and the courts have spoken. Now you have my answer. I'm going to get a lot of flak for that. You wear many robes as different judges in "Justice." But do we see the "Judge Judy" original robe? We're recreating trials that are sometimes 20 years apart, so I wear different robes and in one episode a different hairdo. I do wear the "Judge Judy" robe with a different collar, not the lace one. I think it's the original robe because I took it when I left. It's worn in spots. I hope CBS (which distributed "Judge Judy") doesn't want it back. But it was mine. And CBS has enough problems without worrying about my robe. Why do viewers also see you as a legal narrator in street clothes, without the robe? We added that narrator as a legal roadmap, which the show needed. Actually, the pants are all the same. I just changed the jacket for each episode. That's my little secret. There is less "Judge Judy" commentary in the show. But during one case involving a speeding arrest, you mentioned your husband, Judge Gerald Sheindlin, has more experience in speeding stops. Please explain. I was in the car when he was stopped for speeding, maybe 25 years ago. The female officer came to the car as I was yelling at him, "You were going too fast!" It was like 50 in a 40 zone, so not 100 mph. But still speeding. He was giving some excuse, and I told the officer, "Give him a ticket." Then she recognized me and wouldn't give him the ticket. I wanted to write it myself. And your own driving record is clean of speeding offenses? I've never gotten a speeding ticket. I'm sure I've driven over the limit, but never in a reckless manner. I'm nearly 83, I'm praying I don't get a speeding ticket now. I'm a law-and-order girl. Society makes certain reasonable rules. Like, don't drive over the speed limit. You've been together for 47 years, with a short break. What's your secret? There's an intangible thing you can't quite put your finger on that allows you to hate somebody in one moment and then really like them the next. There are irritations, ups and downs. But I can't picture my life without him. You are known for the phrase, "Beauty fades, dumb is forever." It's even the title of your 1999 book. Yet there's nothing about you that has faded in eight decades. What's your secret? I know I have changed. Sometimes I look in the mirror and say, "When did I become my mother?" In your brain, you're always 40. I have no formula. You just have to be an interesting person your whole life. To me, there's nothing worse than boredom. So if I'm not working, I would clean a bathroom or a kitchen, or redo a closet. I'm getting too old for those, so this is the perfect job for me.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Judge Judy's net worth will make your jaw drop — see how the TV icon built her fortune
Judge Judy 's real name is Judith Sheindlin. She is famous for being a tough, no-nonsense judge on TV for almost 30 years. She is now 82 years old and still active in TV. Judy's new show Judge Judy is now starring in a new show called "Justice on Trial" on Prime Video. The show focuses on 8 big legal cases that have affected U.S. laws and 340 million people, according to the report by Parade. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Please select course: Select a Course Category others Healthcare Digital Marketing Management Data Analytics Artificial Intelligence Leadership MBA Operations Management Finance Technology Data Science healthcare Cybersecurity MCA Others Degree Product Management CXO Data Science Project Management Design Thinking Public Policy PGDM Skills you'll gain: Duration: 16 Weeks Indian School of Business CERT - ISB Cybersecurity for Leaders Program India Starts on undefined Get Details She says the show will make people "a little smarter" after watching. All 8 episodes are streaming from Monday, July 21. She created and produced this new series herself. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Top 15 Most Beautiful Women in the World Undo ALSO READ: $1 billion Bitcoin vanishes from Coinbase, whale move triggers massive liquidations - where did it go? What is Judge Judy's net worth? Her net worth is $440 million! She made most of this from her TV show Judge Judy. In 2018, Forbes said she was the highest-paid TV host in the world. She made $47 million a year from her show and from producing another show called Hot Bench. She also sold the rights to her old shows for $100 million to CBS, as per the report by Parade. Live Events What she said about her salary She said her high salary was fair because she made the show successful. She told the company she worked for: "I can take Judge Judy anywhere. You can't make the show without me." Yes, she is a real judge. She was a family court judge in New York before going on TV. She got her law degree from New York Law School in 1965. She worked as a corporate lawyer first, then took a break to raise her kids, as per the Parade. In 1972, she became a family court prosecutor. In 1982, New York mayor Ed Koch made her a criminal court judge. In 1986, she was promoted to supervising judge in Manhattan, as per the reports. How she became famous In 1993, the Los Angeles Times wrote an article about her. That article led to a segment on CBS's 60 Minutes, which made her super popular. She then wrote her first book called 'Don't Pee on My Leg and Tell Me It's Raining' in 1996, as stated by Parade. ALSO READ: No days off: Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang says he works from wake to sleep, even during movies That same year, she got her own show: Judge Judy. Judge Judy ran from 1996 to 2021 (25 seasons). The show won Emmys, and she got a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019. Other shows by Judge Judy After Judge Judy ended in 2021, she started a new show called Judy Justice on Amazon Freevee. Judy Justice started in November 2021 and has had 3 seasons so far. Her newest show is Justice on Trial, coming to Prime Video, as per the Parade report. Judge Judy's real estate She owns 6 homes across the U.S. These include: A duplex penthouse in NYC A manor in Greenwich, Connecticut A mansion in Newport, Rhode Island A 5-bedroom condo in Beverly Hills, California 2 homes in Naples, Florida Her main house is in Connecticut, on 12.5 acres with 10 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a pool, and gardens. She and her husband bought that home for $13.2 million. Her real estate is worth around $71 million, as per the reports. FAQs Q1. What is Judge Judy's net worth in 2024? Judge Judy's net worth is estimated to be $440 million, mainly from her TV shows and a $100 million deal with CBS. Q2. Is Judge Judy still making TV shows in 2024? Yes, Judge Judy stars in "Justice on Trial" on Prime Video, after her success with Judge Judy and Judy Justice.
