Court People's Show People Parties Legal Case Paid

The People's Court is an American "reality TV show" (a show that films real people, not actors, without a script) that allows people to see "small claims" (lawsuits between private parties involving small amounts of money) being "arbitrated" (reaching a legal decision). The court uses "binding arbitration," meaning that the decision is final and the parties cannot "appeal" (request a review and a different outcome) the decision. Although the "set" (where a show or movie is filmed) looks like a "courtroom" (government building where legal decisions are made), it actually is not part of the legal system.

The show began in 1981, had a four-year break in the mid-1990s, and continues to "air" (be shown on TV) today. Four "judges" (the people who issue the legal decision) have "presided" (been in charge of) the court room. Over the past 30 years, the show has presented more than 50,000 "litigants" (people who are suing or being sued in a lawsuit) and "witnesses" (people who have information that can help the judge make a decision). Researchers look for interested cases in small claims courts across the country and ask the litigants if they would like to have their case heard in The People's Court."

Why do people agree to take their case to The People's Court? Some people probably like to be seen on TV, but others have a financial "motive" (reason for doing something). The parties receive an "appearance fee" (money paid for someone to be on a show). The losing party does not need to pay the "fine" (money paid as a punishment), because it is paid from a "fund" (an account with money saved for a particular purpose). However, the fine is deducted from the appearance fee, so the parties are still strongly motivated to win their case.