on the judge judy show, I heard that the show pays the money judy awards to the plaintiff, is that true?

The award limit on Judge Judy, as on most 'syndi-court' shows (and most small claims courts in the U.S.), is $5,000. The award for each judgment is paid by the producers of the show, from a fund reserved for each case. About forty percent of the cases are money judgments, while the remaining sixty percent are either dismissed or there is an order for an exchange of property.

Both the plaintiff and the defendant receive $100 for their appearance as well as $35 a day, paid to them by the show. The litigants' stay lasts for the number of days that the show does taping for that week, which is two or three days.

In addition, the airfare (or other means of travel) and hotel expenses of the litigants and their witnesses are covered by the show. If there is an exchange of property, Sheindlin signs an order and a sheriff or marshal oversees the exchange.

There are no lawyers present and participants defend themselves on Judge Judy, as is standard in a small claims court. Sheindlin sees only a half-page complaint and a defense response prior to the taping of the cases, sometimes only moments before.

Most of the cases, without any footage deleted to meet the time constraints of the show, usually last anywhere from twelve to forty-five minutes.

In order to ensure a full audience, the producers of Judge Judy hire extras who comprise the entire gallery. Though tickets are not offered for the show, arrangements can sometimes be made with Sheindlin's production staff to allow fans of the show into the audience. Once all the cases are through, all of the audience members receive payment.

The extras must be dressed formally and no logos or brand names may be visible on their clothing. Extras are also instructed to appear as if they are having discussions with each other, before and after each case, so the bailiff may make such announcements as "Order! All rise" and "Parties are excused, you may step out".

As far as the court cases are concerned however, what is seen on Judge Judy is neither staged nor scripted. The plaintiffs have actually sued the defendants and that very case is heard and decided upon by Judith Sheindlin. The court show acquires cases by people submitting claims into them via their website or phone number.

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There is an initial amount (approx. $5000) Whatever the claimant "wins" comes out of that and the remainder is divided between the 2 litigants equally. It is written in the scroll that goes by quickly at the end of the program.

So if the person that wins the case gets the money why is the loser so upset if its not coming out of their pocket

Back in the day, Peoples Court did, but I don't know if any of them pay today.

Yes, according to wikianswers.com. Very interesting.

I would think so why else would anyone want to air their dirty laundry on TV...............I do love those judge shows!