i like judge judy because if people owe you she makes them pay, but my hubby likes judge maths i do not because 2 case one this guy owe another man money and had to look for him went to his girlfriends place, he gave both of them money, anther case, this guy hit a car, and because the plantiff went to the defendfant work both got money. it seemes the defendants are getting away with it, but not with judge judy. if i am wronge, but that is how i feel.

I like Judge Judy too. Some people I know think she's too mean.

I haven't watched the other show you mentioned, but it's my understanding that TV courts don't operate the same as "real" courts. The judges do have authority, but there are agreements made between the parties and the judge in advance. So, both plaintiffs and defendants know ahead of time what to expect and have the option to take their cases elsewhere if they choose. But I think most of those that end up in TV courts are glad to be on TV no matter the outcome. JMO

They all get $5000 for appearing, minus any judgement against them which goes to the winning party. Unless their cases get dismissed, then they get nothing. They do not know who will win, but they sign their right away to take it up in court again if they do not like the verdict.

Judge Judy is one of my favorites, but she has no modern technical skills and rules incorrectly many times because she doesn't believe the plaintiffs or defendants if they present evidence that involves something on a computer or phone. She needs to learn a bit.