How to Get on Judge Judy

Judge Judith Sheindlin - better known as Judge Judy - is perhaps the most infamous television judge in the United States. She has presided over real civil cases in her stage "court room" for almost 12 years, and settled over 7,000 claims in the process. Her trademark wit and cynicism have made her an icon, and it's no wonder thousands of people apply to have their cases heard by her every year. If you are considering bringing your case to her court, here is how to get on Judge Judy:

Instructions

1. Have an Actual Civil Matter in Dispute

   Before you can apply to get on Judge Judy, you must have an actual issue to argue. While a few individuals have successfully made it on to similar judge shows in the past with fake cases, the show has stringent requirements, and often reviews cases that have already been filed with actual courts to ensure they are legitimate.

2. Agree to the Court's Limits

   The cases that the show accepts are small claims, and while monetary limits may range from $3,500 to $7,500 by jurisdiction, Judge Judy's limits are $5,000. You must agree to adhere to this limit; if the value of your case exceeds the $5,000 limit, then you agree that you will accept a judgment less than that of your total claim, and you cannot sue again to make up the difference.

3. Convince the Other Party to Agree

   Both parties involved in the case must agree to appear on the show to be accepted. However, Judge Judy not only pays participants for appearing, the show actually covers any judgment awarded. This is appealing to both sides: for one, you are guaranteed to receive money just for making an appearance, and if a judgment is entered, the losing party does not have to cover the costs - the show does it for them.

   In addition, both sides receive free airfare and a free hotel room for the duration of filming. There is little-to-no cost for both parties and a profit to be made, so if you are trying to convince the other side to appear on the show, be sure to let them know this.

4. Apply to Get on Judge Judy Online

   The fastest way to get your application in is by applying online. You can submit your case to get on Judy Judy using a form on the show's official website. The URL for the application form is below:

   http://www.judgejudy.com/submit_case.php

   In the application, you will need to provide your personal information and your contact information, so that producers from the show can contact you if they are interested. You will also need to give a short summary about the case, and why you think you were wronged. It is imperative that you keep track of what you submit in this form; if you are accepted to appear on Judge Judy, you will have to fill out a longer form explaining the specifics of the case. Judge Judy will receive BOTH of these summaries, and compare them to check for consistency. If you contradict yourself, you will lose your case!

   If you have already filed your case in civil court, you can still apply to get on Judge Judy. Just add your docket number to the application form. The producers of the show will move the case to their court for you if you are accepted to appear.

5. Apply to Get on Judge Judy By Phone

   You can also contact the producers of the show directly to submit your case. Depending on what time of day you call, you may either be greeted by a live person, or catch the answering machine. If you reach a live person, explain that you want to apply to get on Judge Judy. They will ask you to explain your case, and if it's interesting enough, they will ask for your personal details so they can arrange to have you come to the studio. If you reach the answering machine, follow the instructions to leave your name, phone number, and a brief summary of your case. You should receive a call back within a few days if the producers want to have you on the show.

6. Remember, It's Final!

   While Judge Judy was a real judge for many years, she isn't technically acting as a judge on the show: she's actually acting as an arbitrator. Arbitration is a form of "Alternative Dispute Resolution," which, like mediation, involves both parties agreeing to sit down with a neutral party to discuss and resolve the case. However, unlike mediation, the final decision of an arbitration is final. It cannot be appealed, and it is near impossible to overturn.