* It's not a real court: Judge Judy is a television show, not a real court. It's a form of arbitration, where the parties agree to have their dispute settled by a neutral third party (Judge Judy).
* Binding decision: Judge Judy's decisions are legally binding, meaning the parties are obligated to follow her ruling.
* No fees for appearing: The show pays for the legal fees for the parties and covers any expenses associated with the case. The show doesn't pay the parties directly.
* The money comes from the losing party: If a defendant is found liable, they must pay the plaintiff the amount decided by Judge Judy.
Essentially, the show acts as a mediator and provides a platform for resolving disputes. The winning party receives compensation from the losing party, but the show itself doesn't pay either party.