Teacher, Environmentalist, Recovering Politician (
Questions, etc: mrjonathanlott@gmail.com. 
On @JudgeJudy, the show pays for the claims that result from the suits. But does anyone know how that works? Does the show pay the defendant, who then needs to pay the plaintiff? If so, since the show pays, is that considered taxable income for the defendant?
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The show pays the whole claim and in addition it can also, but not always, pay an "appearance fee." That would definitely be taxable, but is separate from the settlement. Judge Judy acts not just as an entertainer—the show is essentially a televised legally binding arbitration.
Ohhh, okay. Yes, the show is legally binding, as both sides must agree to her judgment as a precondition to appearing. But the arbitrator needn't be a judge in real life, nor have any training whatsoever. It could just as easily be a 6-year old kid deciding the settlement.
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Yes, but she is a lawyer and sat on the bench in family court for decades. I guess it gives her credibility and why she has a TV show, plus her sass.
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