All rise! Everyone’s favorite no-nonsense TV judge, Judith Sheindlin – better known as Judge Judy – is back on the bench, and her famously sharp wit and even sharper opinions are cutting through the legal drama just as fiercely as ever. At 82, this television icon has certainly expanded her “justice universe,” and trust us, she’s not holding back.
After a phenomenal 25-year run and over 7,000 episodes, Judge Judy wrapped up its syndicated reign in 2021. But did anyone honestly think she’d retire to a quiet life? Absolutely not! She quickly launched Judy Justice on Amazon Prime Video, an arbitration-style show featuring her granddaughter, Sarah Rose, as a law clerk. Then came Tribunal Justice in 2023, a three-judge panel that even includes her son, Adam Levy, a former district attorney. Talk about keeping it in the family!
Now, Her Honor is gracing our screens with a new legal docuseries, “Justice on Trial” (now streaming). This show brings landmark U.S. court cases back to life – think the historic 100-year-old Scopes Trial. What’s cool is that Sheindlin isn’t just a judge; she also appears without her robe as a commentator, offering her unique insights into the legal ramifications and historical context of these famous trials.
Why the Menendez Brothers Should NOT Get Parole: Judge Judy’s Unpopular Stance
You know Judge Judy: she doesn’t mince words. So when USA TODAY caught up with her, they cut straight to a hot topic that’s been buzzing, especially after Netflix’s Monster series brought it back into the spotlight: the possible parole of the Menendez brothers. Lyle and Erik Menendez, as many will recall, were convicted of killing their parents, Jose and Kitty Menendez, back in 1989.
And Judge Judy’s opinion? Brace yourselves, because she’s fully aware it’s going to stir the pot.
“What we know about the Menendez brothers is that they killed both of their parents,” Sheindlin stated emphatically. “As we know, after they killed their parents, they went on a buying spree. They got a jury trial, and they were sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. They’ve done incredibly well in prison, but that doesn’t mean they get another chance. That is their sentence. Until Kitty Menendez can stand up before a judge and say, ‘Give them another chance,’ the jury and the courts have spoken. Now you have my answer. I’m going to get a lot of flak for that.”
There you have it. Her signature bluntness, crystal clear. She believes their sentence is their sentence, period. This stance is likely to divide opinions, especially given the renewed public interest in the case and the complex narratives that often emerge around such high-profile convictions. But for Judge Judy, justice, once served by a jury and the courts, is final.
Judge Judy kissing her Husband
Robes, Secrets, and a Speeding Ticket Story
Beyond the heavy legal topics, Judge Judy also shared some lighter insights into her new shows and personal life. Fans might wonder: Does she still wear that iconic “Judge Judy” robe?
“We’re recreating trials that are sometimes 20 years apart, so I wear different robes and in one episode a different hairdo,” she revealed. “I do wear the ‘Judge Judy’ robe with a different collar, not the lace one. I think it’s the original robe because I took it when I left. It’s worn in spots. I hope CBS doesn’t want it back. But it was mine.” And with a typical Judy-esque flourish, she added, “And CBS has enough problems without worrying about my robe.” Classic! It’s fun to imagine her meticulously selecting her judicial attire, even for recreated trials.
She also explained why viewers see her out of her judicial robes, as a legal narrator, in “Justice on Trial.” “We added that narrator as a legal roadmap, which the show needed,” she said. This makes sense for a show delving into complex historical cases, as it provides context for viewers who may not be legal experts. And for a fun little secret about her on-screen outfits? “Actually, the pants are all the same. I just changed the jacket for each episode. That’s my little secret.” A practical approach, as always!
Judge Judy gives her take on the Menendez Case. ⚖️ #JudyJustice pic.twitter.com/02lvQByxjS
— Judy Justice (@JudyJustice) December 23, 2024
The conversation even veered into her driving history! When discussing a speeding arrest case on the show, she mentioned that her husband, Judge Jerry Sheindlin, had more experience with speeding stops. It turns out she was in the car when he got pulled over about 25 years ago for going 50 in a 40 mph zone. Her reaction? “I was yelling at him, ‘You were going too fast!'” She even told the female officer, “Give him a ticket!” But the officer recognized her and let him off. Judy, ever the stickler for rules, seemed quite annoyed, stating she “wanted to write it myself.” As for her record? “I’ve never gotten a speeding ticket. I’m sure I’ve driven over the speed limit, but never in a reckless manner. I’m nearly 83, and I’m praying I don’t get a speeding ticket now. I’m a law-and-order girl. Society makes certain reasonable rules. Like, don’t drive over the speed limit.” It’s reassuring to know even a TV judge faces the same everyday driving frustrations!
The Secret to 47 Years (and No Boredom!)
Finally, the talk turned to her 47-year marriage to Judge Gerald Sheindlin, with whom she had a brief separation at one point. What’s the secret to such a long union? “There’s an intangible thing you can’t quite put your finger on that allows you to hate somebody in one moment and then really like them the next,” she mused. “There are irritations, ups and downs. But I can’t picture my life without him.” A wonderfully honest and relatable take on long-term relationships, acknowledging the complexities that go beyond simple affection.
And her famous line, “Beauty fades, dumb is forever,” which is even the title of her 1999 book. Has anything about her faded? “I know I have changed. Sometimes I look in the mirror and say, ‘When did I become my mother?’ In your brain, you’re always 40. I have no formula. You just have to be an interesting person your whole life. To me, there’s nothing worse than boredom. So if I’m not working, I would clean a bathroom or a kitchen, or redo a closet. I’m getting too old for those, so this is the perfect job for me.”
Even at 82, Judge Judy remains a force of nature, dispensing justice and opinions with unwavering conviction, always keeping things interesting. Her energy and sharp mind are truly an inspiration, proving that age is just a number when it comes to staying engaged and passionate about one’s work.
