Judge Judy’s Jaded Jurisdiction

I hate Judge Judy. And Judge Joe Brown. And Judge Mathis. To be honest, I have never really been a fan of reality shows. But there are some shows that I can put up with. The Bachelor gives great insight into the true feelings of someone falling in love while America’s Next Top Model sets a good example for young girls everywhere – but court reality shows are the worst. At least these other shows separate themselves from anything having to do with the law. Shows like Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown make a mockery of the entire judicial system, and as an average citizen (really good looking, but nevertheless average), I cannot stand for this. Thus, I would like to indict Judge Judy (on behalf of all judicial reality shows) with first degree mockery, reckless endangerment, and being mean. That’s right, being mean.

After taking Political Science 230: Law in the Political Arena, I know that America’s judicial system is one of the most complicated in the world. Basically, we don’t like criminals (sorry Hamburglar!). We have established an incredibly complicated procedure that makes evasion of the law virtually impossible (see: OJ Simpson). And it is the courts that serve as the base of this system. Courts like the Supreme Court and the Courts of Appeals, not the court at Sunset Bronson Studios (where both Judge Joe Brown and Judge Judy are filmed). It is at the Sunset Bronson Studios where Judge Joe Brown and Judge Judy serve up their imitation integrity. Surprisingly, while they may look like they are filming at real studios, Judge Joe Brown and Judge Judy are actually filming on sets. These judges have absolutely no authority, and I don’t understand why they need to film in a mock court room. Personally, I think everyone would enjoy it more if they filmed in a forest or on the beach.

These shows might be interesting if they actually meant something, but they are absolutely futile. In addition, they are becoming dangerous to society. Yes, it doesn’t take a college level course in law to understand that these shows are frauds. But there are some people who watch these shows on a regular basis (people who may or may not have a college education). And unfortunately, after watching these shows for so long, many people may not know better.

My third and final charge has to do with the serious ‘tude on display in these shows. If you are going to set up a fake courtroom and make fake accusations about people who might as well be fake, you should be nice about it. The things Judge Judy says and does in her courtroom would make Simon Cowell blush.

Unfortunately, after making these claims, I realized that I have no authority or method of enforcement. But neither does Judge Judy.

So Judge Judy, once and for all, you have the right to remain silent.