Yardbarker
Yardbarker
x
Wildest Judge Judy moments
Mathew Imaging/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Wildest Judge Judy moments

As TV's favorite curmudgeonly jurist celebrates her 75th birthday this month, we take a look back at Judge Judy's wildest moments.

 
1 of 21

All rise: Judge Judy celebrates 75 years!

All rise: Judge Judy celebrates 75 years!
Mathew Imaging/FilmMagic/Getty Images

After 21 years on the bench, "Judge Judy" is going stronger than ever, as the show is scheduled to run into the 2020s. The star of the show, Judy Sheindlin, turns 75 this year, and is as irascible as ever. To celebrate her Diamond Jubilee, we look back at some of the wilder moments from the bench.

 
2 of 21

Gone in 26 seconds

Gone in 26 seconds
Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

In a 2010 episode, Ginny Paradeza, a high school student, sues two classmates over a stolen wallet. Before the pair attempt to explain their side of the story, one of them makes an incriminating statement, getting a rare laugh from the usually taciturn judge as she finds for the plaintiff...in only 26 seconds.

 
3 of 21

Stoned is the way of the judgment

Stoned is the way of the judgment
CBS Television Distribution

Being on TV can naturally be a nervous experience for some, but for one 21-year-old defendant being sued for damages to a car, the thought occurred that coming to Judy's court stoned would be a fun thing to do. It wasn't. In this 2015 episode, the stoned guy's laughter while being questioned managed to cost him $642, seriously putting a dent in his bud budget.

 
4 of 21

Who's got it better than Judge Judy? NOBODY!

Who's got it better than Judge Judy? NOBODY!
CBS Television Distribution

With a TV career as long as Judge Judy's, you're bound to develop a fanbase with a few celebrities in their own right. For Judy, one of those celebs happens to be University of Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, who was front and center in a 2013 episode along side his father Jack, as the pair watched Judy pass her usual brand of judgment. Harbaugh would later go on record to suggest to President Obama that Judge Judy deserved a seat on the Supreme Court.

 
5 of 21

He who laughs last gets kicked out of court

He who laughs last gets kicked out of court
CBS Television Distribution

Judge Judy is known for her usually funny sarcastic quips, but in a 2014, a member of the audience caught some justice of his own, as Judy kicks him out of the courtroom for laughing a little too loudly at one of her jokes. The audience member, who looked like an extra from "The Pirates of Penzance" looked like a deer in headlights as Judy singles him out for removal. He tries to throw himself on the mercy of the court, but Judy wasn't having it, loudly whispering "perfect" to a nervously silent courtroom.

 
6 of 21

Never mind the bollocks, here's Judge Judy

Never mind the bollocks, here's Judge Judy
Getty Images/Handout

"Judge Judy" had been on the air only a year when the show would intersect with punk rock royalty as John Lydon, better known as Johnny Rotten, former lead singer of the Sex Pistols, found himself on the business end of Judy justice as he appeared as a defendant, being sued by his former drummer for a number of grievances. Lydon clearly took the appearance more seriously than his early music career as he managed to satisfy Judy with his defense enough that she would rule in his favor, giving viewers that perfect moment when anarchy and order came together.

 
7 of 21

J is for Judy, F is for fake

J is for Judy, F is for fake
CBS Television Distribution

In 2010, a group of friends decided it would be a good idea to get on "Judge Judy" in order to make a few extra bucks. So they cooked up a story about damaged property and a dead cat, good enough for the producers to fly the plaintiff and defendant quartet in to have their case heard before Judy, in what was a memorable case. The end verdict was only the beginning, as the foursome took the judgment money (all judgments are paid by the production, including appearance fees), rented a convertible and drank champagne the entire day, all on Judy's dime.

 
8 of 21

10 is enough

10 is enough
Getty Images/Handout

During a 2015 episode, a 21-year-old who claimed to have fathered 10 children from different women walked into Judy's court and thought he could mouth off to the judge, saying at one point that even though he wasn't sure about how many mothers there were, Judy's daughter might be one of them. Of course, Judy proceeded to light him up over the joke she didn't find funny. 

 
9 of 21

Come on, let's do the twist!

Come on, let's do the twist!
Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

A 2011 episode featuring a pair of dueling dental assistants may be the most surprising "Judge Judy" case to date. After judging in favor of the defendant, Angel McDaniel, new evidence came to light, at which point Judy reverses herself and awards plaintiff, Kenyatta Owens, $5,000 in damages. Why? Because McDaniel blatantly lied to the court about her injury and was only there to collect as much money as she could from the whole incident. Confusing? Maybe, but it ended up being one of Judy's most compelling cases.

 
10 of 21

What's shakin, Judy?

What's shakin, Judy?
Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

During a 2008 taping of "Judge Judy" an earthquake hit Southern California, but never fear, Judy restored order right away, barely even acknowledging the quake happened. The case during the taping dealt with a woman suing her ex-boyfriend after he robbed her bank account in order to buy drugs. Once everything settled down, the sort of clown show you'd expect took place, and Judy never missed a beat.

 
11 of 21

Puppy justice

Puppy justice
CBS Television Distribution

In a 2012 episode of "Judge Judy," Judy heard a dispute between a man and a woman whose missing puppy was sold for $50 on the street. Naturally the woman believed that because the dog was legally hers, not the man’s, this was gross misconduct (not to mention incredibly cruel). Instead of deciding the case for herself, Judge Judy allowed the dog to make the decision for her. 

 
12 of 21

A pinky promise gone wrong

A pinky promise gone wrong
CBS Television Distribution

This 2007 case featured a pair of women from the Bronx who, let's just say, had their differences. The plaintiff was in a 13-year relationship with a man who would leave her for the the defendant. The hatred the two had for each other came to a head one morning as they dropped off their kids off at school. The confrontation led to an altercation which led to the defendant biting off the plaintiff's pinky finger, spitting it out on the ground and laughing in the plaintiff's face. Judy gives both women one of her classic lectures, saying that their problem is mostly coming from the man they once shared.

 
13 of 21

Table for one at the roadkill cafe

Table for one at the roadkill cafe
CBS Television Distribution

In this 2007 episode, a woman is suing her sister and ex neighbor for damages made to her car. What happens after is all-time memorable. The defendant borrowed the plaintiff's car, managing to hit and kill a deer, but that was not enough as she took the deer home, and ate it. Of course, the defendant tried to make amends for the damaged car by offering some of the meat to the plaintiff and was very offended when the plaintiff declined. Naturally things only went downhill from there...

 
14 of 21

The Schumer did it

The Schumer did it
CBS Television Distribution

Jim Harbaugh wasn't the only celebrity with an affinity for "Judge Judy" as a 2017 episode of the show has what some might consider a bigger star in the form of Amy Schumer. As Judy tried the case of some stolen credit cards, the camera was fixated on Schumer's disapproving stares, as it was clear to her the guy was guilty as sin.

 
15 of 21

Don't blow snow in my eye and tell me it's rain

Don't blow snow in my eye and tell me it's rain
Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

A 2012 episode featured a young girl who only got to see her father just three times in a year. During a visit, they decided to take the snowmobile out for a spin. She crashed the snowmobile, and she got sued by her father and stepmom for the damage. The girl countersued for damaging her knee. The stepmother took the helmet she wore to court saying she didn’t hit her head. Judge Judy clearly saw that the father was influenced by the stepmother and dismissed the case.

 
16 of 21

Mommy dearest

Mommy dearest
Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

In this case from 2011 a mother gave her son a $1,500 loan for a car, and when he refused to pay up, she took him to see Judy. The only defense the son could muster was that mom was responsible for the loss of his car because she didn't pay to get it out of tow. By his logic, he didn't feel the need to pay the first loan since she wouldn't give him a second. Take a guess which way Judy ruled.

 
17 of 21

Her rascally brother

Her rascally brother
Photo by Gary Gershoff/WireImage/Getty Images

On this 2010 episode of "Judge Judy," out of the goodness of her heart, a woman took in her brother to stay with her and her family. Bro decided to repay Sis' hospitality by racking up a $2,613 phone bill...for phone sex. Naturally, little brother denied everything, but sister had the phone records, leaving Judge Judy no choice but to rule in her favor.

 
18 of 21

Conditional love

Conditional love
CBS Television Distribution

Talk about a modern-day wicked stepmother. In this 2009 episode, Alexandra Nelson sued her stepmom because she refused to give her the car she received as her graduation present. Alexandra and stepmom never got along, so she moved out as soon as she was able, but when she got the car from her grandmother as part of an installment loan, her stepmom decided to keep the car until she could pay for it in full. Although Alexandra did pay off the car, the stepmom refused to fork over the keys, but Judy was having none of that, ruling against the evil stepmom, who surprisingly didn't disappear in a puff of smoke.

 
19 of 21

Take care of your employees

Take care of your employees
CBS Television Distribution

This 2015 episode featured yet another family dispute, although this time, it was blown way out of proportion as 57-year-old coffee house owner, Cathy, sued her 37-year-old nephew, Michael, because he thought it would be a good idea to retaliate against his aunt for not giving him a $3 raise by running up $2,658.72 on the company’s credit card. In Mike's mind, his embezzlement was justified, since his aunt passed him over in favor of another employee who wasn't family. He even countersued, because he would've been able to pay off the card if he had the raise. Of course Judy wasted no time ruling against him.

 
20 of 21

Tie goes to the liar

Tie goes to the liar
CBS Television Distribution

Sometimes, the cases brought before Judge Judy are so awful, she won't rule in favor of anyone. Case in point, during a 2015 episode, a pair of starcrossed lovers sued each other over damages which included car keying, slashed tires, breaking and entering, broken windows, and of course, broken hearts. The girlfriend also included in the suit the cost of an abortion for a child that wasn't his. Judy got fed up pretty quickly as she judged them both to be liars, and kicked them both out of the courtroom with no judgment for either of them.

 
21 of 21

No good deed

No good deed
Donaldson Collection/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Some people are just fools for love, and on a 2014 episode, a middle-aged man had a song of melancholy to sing to Judy about more than $8,000 in loans he gave to his young, now estranged sweetheart. Of course, after a breakup, everything is a loan, which the ex-girlfriend confirmed by saying they were just gifts. It was fairly obvious that the younger girlfriend used the man as a cash machine, but Judy doesn't reward fools, choosing to dismiss the case as he had no documents to prove the money was loaned. 

More must-reads:

Customize Your Newsletter

Yardbarker +

Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!

TODAY'S BEST

Ex-Lakers Big Man Ready to Cut NBA Ties With New Contract
NBA

Ex-Lakers Big Man Ready to Cut NBA Ties With New Contract

It was the Lakers who, eight years ago, gave center Thomas Bryant his first crack at the NBA, putting him into the lineup after acquiring him in a draft trade with the Jazz. Bryant's Lakers career did not last that long--he was gone after one season--but he came back to L.A. in the summer of 2022 after a successful stint with the Wizards. That go-round with the Lakers did not go much better than the first, as Bryant averaged 12.3 points but was traded away in a massive deal at the 2023 deadline that saw the Lakers add Mo Bamba and Davon Reed. The Lakers had two cracks at Bryant but were not able to get his best from him. Bryant has since moved on to Denver, Miami and most recently, Indiana, where he has not been a big-time scorer, but has filled a role nicely in each of his stops. But, unable to drum up a new NBA contract, it looks like Bryant's next role will come overseas. That's according to a report from Telesport, which noted that the Greek team Panathinaikos is in direct contact about getting Bryant signed. From Sportando, which points out that Jonas Valanciunas agreed to, then backed out of a contract with the team: "The American center, born in 1997, played last season with the Indiana Pacers. He has appeared in 333 NBA games throughout his career. It would be a high-level addition for Panathinaikos, who, after the breakdown of negotiations with Valanciunas, are looking for a center to further raise the quality of their frontcourt."

Stephanie White Puts Indiana Fever Players on Notice Despite Win Against Aces
WNBA

Stephanie White Puts Indiana Fever Players on Notice Despite Win Against Aces

The Indiana Fever’s starters turned in a strong all-around effort in Thursday’s 80-70 win over the Las Vegas Aces. The starting unit scored at least 13 points each, save for Aari McDonald, who registered nine points in 22 minutes of action. Indiana’s starters combined for 76 out of the team’s 80 points on the evening, which only means that the four other players who came off the bench accounted for just four points in the game. All that came from Sydney Colson, who went 2-of-5 in 18 minutes of playing time. Lexie Hull, Makayla Timpson and Damiris Dantas all failed to score in the win. Stephanie White Calls Out Fever's Bench Be that as it may, offense wasn’t even the biggest concern for head coach Stephanie White. In her postgame press conference, the veteran shot-caller called out Indiana’s bench for their lack of intensity on the defensive end, particularly in the first half. “Our bench has to be ready,” she said. “I felt like our bench in the second half was really good defensively. In the first half, I didn't feel that way. You got to be ready to come in and you got to be ready to guard your matchup and execute the game plan. "We have depth for a reason. We've got quality depth and we've got to be able to use it. So if fatigue is a factor in execution, then they just need to ask for a sub and I'll get them out and get them back in." It has been a bit of a busy stretch for the Fever at the midway point of the season. Thursday’s matchup against the Aces was their second game in three nights, and they will be back in action again on Sunday in a rivalry showdown against the Chicago Sky. White, however, isn’t accepting fatigue as an excuse. This is regardless of the fact that Caitlin Clark remains out with a re-aggravated groin injury. White is adamant that this roster has been built for adversity, and she didn’t hesitate to put her bench on notice after Thursday’s showing.

Green Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden Already Has A New Nickname
NFL

Green Bay Packers WR Matthew Golden Already Has A New Nickname

The Green Bay Packers may have found their next offensive weapon in rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden. Just a few days into training camp, Golden has already made a name for himself, earning praise from teammates and coaches alike. Special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia even gave him the nickname “Bullet,” a nod to his blazing speed and dynamic playmaking ability. With expectations high, Golden is showing why he was a first-round pick and why he could be a key piece in the Packers’ offense this season. A Strong Start to Green Bay Packers Training Camp Golden has wasted no time making an impact in his first NFL training camp. His smooth route running and explosive speed have been on full display, drawing attention from both fans and teammates. According to reports, Golden has already been utilized in a variety of ways, including jet sweeps and motion plays, hinting at the versatile role he could play in the Packers’ offense. Rich Bisaccia’s nickname for Golden, “Bullet,” is a reference to former Olympic sprinter and Dallas Cowboys legend Bob “Bullet” Hayes. The comparison is fitting, as Golden’s speed has been a standout trait since his college days. “He’s got that extra gear,” said head coach Matt LaFleur. “You can see it in the way he separates from defenders. It’s exciting to think about what he can bring to our offense.” Matthew Golden: College Dominance at Texas Golden’s college career at Texas was nothing short of spectacular. In his final season, he recorded 1,215 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, averaging an impressive 16.2 yards per catch. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays in critical moments made him one of the most dangerous receivers in the country. Over his three-year college career, Golden amassed 2,987 receiving yards and 25 touchdowns, solidifying his status as a first-round talent. His performance at the NFL Combine only added to the hype. Golden ran a 4.31-second 40-yard dash, showcasing the elite speed that has already earned him comparisons to some of the league’s top deep threats. His combination of size, speed, and route-running ability made him a no-brainer for the Packers, who were in desperate need of a reliable target for quarterback Jordan Love. Filling a Key Role in the Packers’ Offense The Green Bay Packers’ wide receiver room has undergone significant changes in recent years. With Christian Watson recovering from a torn ACL and other young receivers like Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks still developing, Golden has a clear path to playing time. His ability to create separation and make plays downfield could make him a go-to option for Love, especially in critical third-down situations. Golden’s versatility also makes him a valuable asset. Whether lining up in the slot, running jet sweeps, or stretching the field on deep routes, he has the skill set to contribute in multiple ways. “He’s a guy who can do it all,” said veteran running back Josh Jacobs. “You can see the potential. He’s going to be a problem for defenses.” Final Thoughts Matthew Golden’s first week of training camp has been nothing short of impressive. From earning the nickname “Bullet” to showcasing his elite speed and versatility, he’s already proving why the Green Bay Packers invested a first-round pick in him. With his college pedigree and early flashes of brilliance, Golden has the potential to be a game-changer for Green Bay’s offense. As the season approaches, the Packers may have found their next star wide receiver, and the rest of the league should take notice.

Yankees maintain interest in acquiring another Rockies player
MLB

Yankees maintain interest in acquiring another Rockies player

After already dealing Ryan McMahon to the Yankees, the Rockies are open for business heading into Thursday’s deadline as one of the few true sellers on the market. Another trade with the Yankees could be a possibility, as The Athletic’s Brendan Kuty reports that New York has interest in Colorado reliever Jake Bird among many other names on the bullpen market. Bird’s first three Major League seasons (2022-24) saw the right-hander post a 4.53 ERA, 19.3% strikeout rate, and 9.7% walk rate across 177 innings for the Rockies, all in a relief capacity apart from three pseudo-starts as an opener. His 4.05 ERA and 9.1% walk rate in 53 1/3 innings in 2025 are pretty comparable, but the big difference is a strikeout rate that has leapt up to 26.7%. Above-average whiff and chase rates support the increase in missed bats, and Bird’s solid barrel and grounder rates have also helped him limit damage at Coors Field. Interestingly, Bird’s home/road splits this year are actually much better in Denver (2.48 ERA in 29 innings) than away from home (5.92 ERA in 24 1/3 innings). A 3.19 SIERA paints an even more flattering picture of Bird’s improved performance, as a .352 BABIP has inflated the reliever’s ERA. Adopting the sweeper as his primary pitch seemed to have unlocked both Bird’s strikeout ability, and it has helped his curveball regain its 2023 status as a plus offering. Yankees pitching coach Matt Blake is a known proponent of the sweeper, which likely adds to New York’s interest in the Rox reliever. Bird will reach arbitration eligibility for the first time this winter, so he is controlled through the 2028 season. The Rockies are also reportedly open to offers on two other controllable relievers in Victor Vodnik and Seth Halvorsen, as Colorado’s willingness to take a broader approach to the deadline represents a change in direction for the organization. The Rockies had been traditionally wary about even moving pending free agents at the deadline, yet the new low of the team’s dreadful 27-78 record seems to have convinced the organization that larger changes are necessary. Even controllable relief pitching only has so much present value to a team that may be years away from contending, so it makes sense for the Rox to consider moving some of their bullpen arms. Given the natural volatility of relief pitching and Bird’s lack of a track record, selling high on his current success might well be a wise move for GM Bill Schmidt. Beyond the bullpen arms, Colorado is getting hits on other players on the roster. MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand writes that Hunter Goodman, Brenton Doyle, Kyle Freeland and Austin Gomber are all getting varying degrees of trade attention, though it is very unlikely that Goodman or Doyle are moved. Goodman is enjoying a breakout season that resulted in an All-Star citation. Doyle is struggling through a rough year that has seen his bat and center field glovework both take big steps backwards from 2024, but the Rockies don’t seem likely to sell low. Goodman and Doyle are both controlled through the 2028 season, whereas Gomber is an impending free agent and Freeland is under contract through the 2026 campaign. Freeland is owed around $5.33M for the remainder of this season and then $16M in 2026, with a $17M vesting player option available for 2027 if Freeland tosses at least 170 innings next year. This price tag makes it pretty unlikely that Freeland will be dealt, unless Colorado was to eat most or all of that remaining salary. The southpaw has a 5.24 ERA over 101 1/3 innings in 2025, and a 5.03 ERA in 840 2/3 frames since Opening Day 2019. Because Freeland has spent his entire career in Denver’s thin air, there’s a bit of an X factor in gauging how well he could perform outside of such a hitter-friendly environment, even if his lifetime splits aren’t too drastic (4.85 ERA at home, 4.24 ERA on the road). Rival teams might not be intrigued enough by this potential upside to the take the plunge on a trade unless the Rockies indeed covered a lot of Freeland’s salary, which might not make it worth it for a Rox team that still needs someone to eat innings. Gomber is much less expensive and a rental player, so a rival team might have more willingness to take a flier on the southpaw as a depth arm. Feinsand notes Gomber’s superior road splits to his work at Coors Field, but the overall results haven’t been great, as Gomber has a 5.14 ERA in 578 1/3 innings since joining the Rockies prior to the 2021 season. That includes a 6.03 ERA in seven starts and 34 1/3 frames this year, as shoulder problems kept Gomber off the mound until mid-June.