Judge Judy VS The People's Court: Battle of the Gavel Girls
Round 1: Theme Music
“Judge Judy” has had a few theme songs throughout the years. When the show premiered in the mid-90s, it sounded a lot different. But as times changed, the show settled on a mash-up of Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5” with some added percussion and bass. That piece is already known for its severe, stately sound. That’s why it’s such a perfect theme for “Judge Judy.” Sure, a TV judge is pretty modern, but Judge Sheindlin is very old-fashioned in her methods. Using a seminal piece of classical music matches Judge Judy’s strictness and insistence on a respectful, strait-laced courtroom.
Meanwhile, “The People’s Court” has used the same theme since the very first incarnation of the show, and it shows its age. Composed by Alan Stanley Tew for the British series “The Hanged Man,” this theme is dramatic and very much echoes the show’s themes of justice, law, and order. It’s got a driving, percussive beat and a bit of funk to it that makes it simultaneously fun and a little ridiculous. But that is exactly what’s so great about it. As the litigants walk down the aisle with the narrator’s over-the-top introduction to their case and the theme playing, there’s always a sense of camp and fun to it.
Both themes perfectly sum up the different tones of the show they belong to, but in terms of iconic music, we have to go with “Judge Judy” on this one.
Winner: “Judge Judy” 1 / “The People’s Court” 0
Round 2: Laying Down the Law
Let’s get to the judges themselves. Judge Sheindlin made her name with her tough, no-nonsense attitude. She makes it clear from the jump that if you’re in her courtroom, you’re expected to behave in a way she sees fit. If you speak out of turn, speak over her, or don’t maintain professional decorum, she might just throw your case out. Furthermore, if you come to court on a case involving a car and you don’t have insurance, you’re toast. “Judge Judy” doesn’t play about car insurance, negligent dog owners, or people who want help enforcing unlawful contracts. In her courtroom, the law is black and white.
The atmosphere on “The People’s Court” is not so rigid. Judge Milian demands a certain level of respect, but she’s not policing what people do with their hands or whether or not they can get a drink of water. In fact, some litigants have won a case even after admitting to certain unlawful behaviors. That would never fly on “Judge Judy.” However, that doesn’t mean Milian is lenient. You have to earn her contempt, but once you have it, it’s hard to shake. And when she finds your conduct truly offensive, hell hath no fury quite like hers.
Commanding respect in the courtroom is something these TV judges have in common, but “Judge Judy” has grown men scared of taking sips of water. So she wins out here.
Winner: “Judge Judy” 2 / “The People’s Court” 0
Round 3: Listening to Litigants
Some daytime hosts are interested in your problems. Judge Judy is not. As she often reminds her guests when they get a little too long-winded or a little too sorry for themselves, she’s not Dr. Phil. Your sob stories do not interest her. Much of her time on the show is spent telling litigants she doesn’t care what they have to say. She wants her cases cut and dry, without editorializing or nuance. Stray too far from the point, and she will let you know it. And God help you if you get between her and her lunch.
Judge Milian’s approach to law allows her to connect with her litigants. She generally allows them to tell her their version of events in their own words. More than that, though, she genuinely seems affected by cases that are emotionally challenging. “The People’s Court” doesn’t shy away from the details of cases that deal with broken families, loss, and women with low self-esteem being taken advantage of. It’s clear to see that Milian’s entire practice is based in compassion for the people who come through her courtroom. But even she has her limits. If she feels like you’re avoiding questions and wasting her time to try to lie, she’ll get you right together.
These judges take different approaches to gathering information, but “The People’s Court” gets the win here for Judge Milian’s empathy for the people in her courtroom.
Winner: “Judge Judy” 2 / “The People’s Court” 1
Round 4: Humor
Judge Judy clearly loves a good laugh. The only problem is she’s usually laughing at her litigants, not with them. It’s not that she doesn’t like jokes, but in her courtroom, she better be the only one cracking them. While some of her insults can be a little unfair, there’s a wicked joy in seeing her skewer someone who really deserves it. In fact, fans of the show might argue that she’s at her best when she’s cutting down erring litigants. But even when she’s eviscerating somebody in front of millions of people, she can still have a little fun. It’s just usually at someone else’s expense.
On the other hand, Judge Marilyn Milian of “The People’s Court” is pretty good-humored. Even when her litigants say something truly unhinged, and maybe even illegal, she can find a way to laugh about it. There’s a camaraderie between Milian and the people who come through her courtroom that Sheindlin would never tolerate. But that’s what makes Milian lovable. She’s genuinely interested in connecting with and understanding the people who come to her for help. Milian achieves that through humor. She’s a natural performer. And she gets extra points for letting her audience laugh along with her, because that’s not necessarily a given.
Being funny and having a sense of humor aren’t necessarily the same thing, and while “Judge Judy” is often funny, we have to give this one to Judge Milian and “The People’s Court.”
Winner: “Judge Judy” 2 / “The People’s Court” 2
Round 5: The Supporting Cast
Every judge has to have a bailiff. Officer Petri Hawkins-Byrd, or Officer Byrd for short, was Judge Sheindlin’s trusted court officer for the show’s entire run. Stoic, crossword-playing Byrd had as much contempt for the litigants on “Judge Judy” as the woman herself did. Whenever he had to walk that five or so feet to run evidence back and forth, you could always count on Byrd to look completely annoyed. But he and Sheindlin could be hilarious together, as well. Often, Sheindlin would ask him to translate modern slang for her. Fans adore these two because, though they both share a gruff exterior, their affection for each other is real.
On “The People’s Court,” there are generally three other people on hand to help Judge Milian out. Bailiff Douglas McIntosh doesn’t say much, but as far as court officers go, he’s pretty chill. There have even been a few brief, flirty exchanges between him and Milian. While it is completely harmless, since the Judge is most definitely married, the banter makes for a playful court environment. What sets the show apart, though, is the interviewer outside the courtroom to twist the knife in a losing party. Doug Llewelyn was especially good at adding insult to injury in a satisfying and shady way. Presenter Harvey Levin usually gets some color commentary from the crowd outside, but admittedly, it’s usually pretty awkward.
Sometimes, less is more. The relationship between Judge Judy and Officer Byrd is too good to not take the win here.
Winner: “Judge Judy” 3 / “The People’s Court” 2
With a final score 3-2, “Judge Judy” reigns supreme over the kingdom of court shows. And frankly, we’d be scared not to give her the win.
Which court show is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
