I consider Judge Judy a guilty pleasure, because I cannot justify enjoying it. My guess is that the show appeals to so many people because just about every viewer is either more accomplished than the litigants or nicer than the judge.

Judge Judy's moralizing doesn't bother me so much as the rudeness. Imagine a drinking game where everyone takes a shot every time Judge Judy says "please." No one's inhibitions would be lowered a drop. She has the moral views of Dr. Laura but the manners of the Red Queen.

What I don't understand is why people sign up to appear on the show. Yes, a winning plaintiff gets money, and a loser pays none, and I guess it's classist to say that no one should expose themselves to the abuse dispensed for the compensation paid. But I feel badly for anyone whose self-esteem is low enough to accept what she dishes out.

And so I have quit watching the show. Many times. (Apologies to Mark Twain, from whom I stole the joke.)