Is judge judy show scripted

When the show returns from commercial breaks, the voice-over sounds, stating "Real cases! Real people! Judge Judy!". Sources suggest that what is seen on the show is neither scripted nor staged.

CBS News stated that the cases on the show are real, selected from court dockets around the country. Both sides must agree to follow whatever the judge rules. Judge Judy handles cases that would otherwise be heard in small-claims court. For Judge Judy litigants, the awards do not exceed $5,000.

The cases are real but the proceeding is an arbitration. Judge Judith Sheindlin's role on TV is technically that of an arbitrator. An arbitration is a cheaper, quicker way to resolve disputes than going to court. A dispute is submitted to an impartial person for a final decision.

The Consumerist stated that "while the cases and people may be real, the courts could be held on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise and still have the same effect. It’s all just part of the collective hallucination we call television."

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