Why do TV judges have to be so rude and so condescending?

Question

I presently watch two shows, Divorce Court with Judge Toler, and The People's Court with Judge Milian. Why does Judge Toler feel the need to be so condescendent and why does Judge Milian need to talk (or should I say yell) over everyone and never give anyone a chance to plea their case, uninterrupted, in their own words?

To Kate and others who have referenced Judge Judy: I have no idea why that this woman is so popular. Personally, I find her meanspirited and rude. I have never seen a single show of hers and I don't intend to. A peson's idea of justice being to be put in a stockade in the middle of the street and have people throw bottles and other things they can get in their hands (as of her comments to Larry King several months ago) has lost total credibility as far as impartiality which is vital for a judge to have.

Yes, not only have I been to courtrooms, but I have served in juries. The judges in real life don't act like that at all.

Answer 1

R-A-T-I-N-G-S!!

Answer 2

I'm going to say probably two major reasons:
1) They need to create a feeling of drama in order for the TV show to be considered interesting enough to be on TV. If you've ever been to a real court proceeding, you will know that it's not nearly as interesting as a nice episode of Judge Judy. In fact, it's downright boring. Very rarely do the judges yell or bang their gavel or say "Order!" or any of the stuff TV judges do. They just keep looking at their papers and saying boring stuff. So that's one reason.

2) They're probably so over hearing all these people tell their sob stories and lie to them, that they snap and start being snotty and yelling at them. Also they probably are aware that they are looked down upon by the actual court system. They're basically like the Jerry Springer of the judicial world. In fact, some of the TV "judges" aren't even real judges, did you know that?

Answer 3

Love is correct. The more interchange between the defendent and the person charged, the better. Also, the judge is expected to be as animated and vocal as possible. It's a sad state of affairs to be honest. I think it's shameful. But, when our President rips up the constitution, what can you expect from lowly judges. Freedom of speech? Hardly.

Answer 4

did you ever see a judge that did not do this ? Visit a courtroom sometime and you will see that all judges seem to do this. Like judge judy for one if she does not like you that is it for you. You are doomed in her courtroom i think you should take a trip and see of your local judges in action you will flip out. Good luck and god bless.

Answer 5

The producer's want people to watch their program so they get some conflict going.
If all the judges were nice and said sweet things like Paula Abdul it would be very boring.

Answer 6

It's strictly for entertainment value. People love it when Judge Judy yells at people. If they were really nice and polite it would be boring and no one would watch.

Answer 7

They don't have to be rude...its all about ratings. The producers decide the tone of the show and the actors make that tone happen and work. Its all just for show...to keep people watching.

Answer 8

They do that to try to distinguish themselves from all of the other useless nonsense on TV today. They try to create a unique persona so that you will watch them and their sponsors will pay for their ridiculous antics.

Answer 9

Makes for entertaining TV. No one would watch a boreing, nice, judge and TV is all about RATINGS, which determine how much they can charge for commercials.......MONEY, MONEY, MONEY.

Answer 10

I hate this kind of shows, I know what you mean, and that is why I do not watch them

Answer 11

yup! to keep the ratings up... if you had to sit thru an actual court proceeding... you'd fall asleep!