<Tr> <Th> Original release </Th> <Td> September 16, 1996 (1996 - 09 - 16)--present </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th_colspan="2"> External links </Th> </Tr> <Tr> <Td_colspan="2"> Website </Td> </Tr> <P> Judge Judy is an American arbitration - based reality court show presided over by Judge Judy Sheindlin, a retired Manhattan family court judge . The show features Sheindlin adjudicating real - life small claim disputes within a simulated courtroom set . Prior to the proceedings, all parties involved must sign arbitration contracts agreeing to Sheindlin's ruling, handling and production staff management . The series is in first - run syndication and distributed by CBS Television Distribution . </P>

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