Judge Judy Trivia Quiz

Answer: "Judge Judy"

Judith Sheindlin began her career as a juvenile court judge in New York in 1972. She moved to the Family Court of New York in 1992 where she remained until she retired in 1996.

Answer: "You think you're going to talk over me?"

Judy Judy insists on strict decorum in her courtroom. While other TV judges will allow the litigants to yammer back and forth at each other or interrupt or keep talking when the judge is talking, Judge Judy will have none of it.

Answer: "Ummm is not an answer!"

Judge Judy does not allow litigants to cross their arms, lean on the table, shuffle papers or look at the ceiling for answers. She tells them to look her in the eyes when they answer. Only the hardy few and terminally dumb can withstand her withering looks.

Answer: "If you tell the truth you don't need to have a good memory."

Each party to the case has filed a written claim, which is generally a half-page statement of their side of the story. These statements are sworn affidavits. Judge Judy reads the statements before the show taping. It is amazing how many of the litigants do not re-read their own statements, and wind up telling a different version of the "facts" on the show. Judge Judy knows how to reveal liars for what they are, to the entertainment of the viewing public.

Answer: $5,000

As with all other syndicated courtroom reality shows, the maximum award is $5,000. This is also the maximum in most US small claim courts. If the jurisdiction the litigants have standing in has a lower limit, she will find up to that limit.

Answer: "Your mother may think you're cute. I don't think you're cute."

Judge Judy is a real professional at treating people the same, whether they are beautiful, handsome, 500 pounds, covered with tattoos, or have blue hair. She deals with the facts of the case. Sometimes, when she cannot find for a plaintiff who has been taken advantage of, she will embarrass and shame the offending party "in front of ten million people". Maybe not a monetary judgement for the plaintiff, but a public dressing down of the offending party shows judgement can come in many forms!

Answer: "If their lips are moving, they're lying."

Often in cases involving children and teenagers, the parents believe whatever their children have told them. Judge Judy is able to quickly extract the truth, usually by asking questions about the case that are not in chronological order. This usually tricks the kids, and she is able to come to the truth, often to the surprise and dismay of their parents.

Answer: "If I were 5'9", I'd be tall."

One of the joys of watching Judge Judy is that she does not hesitate to call out people for their stupidity. In this day of political correctness, we are all so afraid to appear to be judging anyone for anything, but not Judge Judy. She tells it like it is, and many young people would do well to watch her show and see what happens to people who co-sign loans, move in with people they barely know, loan cars or money, bail people out of jail, or put friends and acquaintances on their cell phone plans.

Answer: "That's all. Step out."

Judge Judy often barely conceals contempt for her litigants, and once she has made the ruling, she is half-way off the bench as she summarily dismisses the parties. None of this "Good luck to you both!" for her! Judge Joseph Wapner, who was the first reality TV judge on "The People's Court" which aired from 1981 to 1993, has opined that Judge Judy is abrasive and insulting. Whether this is true or not, her attitude is what endears her to millions of followers.

Answer: Byrd

Petri Hawkins-Byrd worked as Judge Judy's bailiff in New York in 1986. When she got her TV show in 1996, he sent her a note and told her he still looked good in uniform, so she offered him a job on her show, to serve as the poker-faced bailiff and straight man for her quips.