seriously ten

Judge Judy is a reality judicial television program where she settles small claims issues in court.

A former New York family court judge known for her ability to cut through a dispute and get to the core of the emotional issue at hand, Judge Judy acts as a true moral compass for people seeking guidance, resolution and a little common sense in their often complicated lives. Judge Judy's goal is to make a permanent and worthwhile impression that will discourage repeat offenders and help heal families and victims of injustice. There are many imitators, but only one Judge Judy!
 

Judge Judy Sheindlin

Smart, savvy and opinionated, the irrepressible Judge Judith Sheindlin continues to hold court as presiding judge on Judge Judy, the #1 rated daily, half-hour, syndicated, reality courtroom series.

Having made a name for herself as a tough but fair judge in New York's Family Court, Judge Judith Sheindlin retired from the bench in 1996 to bring her trademark wit and wisdom to the widely successful series that takes viewers inside a television courtroom where justice is dispensed at lightning speed.

Judge Judith Sheindlin's career in family court began in 1972, prosecuting juvenile delinquency cases for the state of New York. Although an emotionally taxing job, Judge Judith Sheindlin knew right away she had found her calling, quickly developing a reputation as a sharp, no-nonsense lawyer. In 1982, New York's then-Mayor, Edward Koch, appointed Judge Judith Sheindlin to the bench in the Family Court.

Four years later, she was appointed the Supervising Judge in Manhattan and since then, has heard over 20,000 cases in her career. A swift decision-maker with no tolerance for excuses, Judge Judith Sheindlin earned a reputation as one of New York's toughest judges. While on the bench, her message was simple - take responsibility for yourself, your actions and the children you've brought into the world. Judge Judith Sheindlin is credited with pioneering an "open court policy," allowing the public and the media to view her day-to-day proceedings, which was not a common practice at the time. "Americans have the right to know how their interests are being represented," says the Judge.

Petri Hawkins-Byrd (Baliff)

A native of Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Hawkins-Byrd ("Byrd") received his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in 1989. While attending college, Byrd worked as a court officer in the Brooklyn Family Court system. In 1986, he was transferred to the Manhattan Family Court system, where he worked on a rotating basis with all the judges, including Judge Judy. "I was never bored in her courtroom," he muses. "Her get-to-the-point style didn't always sit well with the litigants, and there were times she was definitely glad to have me around."