MovieChat Forums > Judge Alex (2005) Discussion > Kangaroo Court

Kangaroo Court

posted 15 years ago by jamesbwill
3 replies | jump to latest

Today, Alex conducted a case in a completely unfair, irresponsible, and incompetent manner. Were he a real judge and this a real case, it have been reported all over the evening news and he would be facing charges of judicial misconduct.

The case involved the husband-wife owners of a tamale restaurant. They sued a customer to whom the husband made loans. The defendant repaid the loans with post-dated checks which bounced.

Alex's first mistake was accepting the gift of a plate of tamales from the plaintiffs. He ate them and commented about how good they were. Alex joked about it being a bribe, but the fact is, a judge can NEVER accept any type of gratuity from any litigant. The reasons for this are obvious.

Second, Alex clearly liked the female plaintiff, who was Asian and spoke with an accent. At one point, she asked Alex if she could speak to the defendant (try that with Judge Judy). Alex threw up his hands and said, "Sure, go ahead." The plaintiff then turned to the female defendant, pointed her finger at her, and yelled, "GIVE ME THAT MONEY!! OR I TAKE IT!!" That was clearly a threat of physical violence that Alex had just allowed to occur, but he completely ignored it. Right then and there, Alex should have dismissed the case and fined the plaintiff, but he just let the case go on, even after that blatant intimidation of the defendant. Strictly speaking, the plaintiff could have been arrested right then and there for making a threat.

Alex also never heard the defendant's counter-claim for the female plaintiff calling her job and getting her fired. Alex called her an ingrate and a scammer, but she seemed like an honest person who had just had some money problems. When she cried when trying to explain this, Alex just sneered, "So why are you getting all teary-eyed now?" The plaintiff joyfully admitted to calling her employer, but Alex simply said, "Oh, I doubt that you can prove that she got you fired." He then dismissed her case. He should have at least asked if she had a letter or any other proof. I think that the female plaintiff would have admitted to purposely getting the defendant fired if Alex had asked her.

Judge Alex clearly demonstrated why he has become the absolute WORST TV judge on the air. I used to like him, but he has become a bully and a Jerry Springer wannabe.

[–] aleximerc 15 years ago

It's interesting when two people can watch the same episode of a program and reach such radically differing conclusions. You're right that the Judge Alex courtroom is not an actual court of law; things sometimes happen, such as the judge accepting a plate of tamales, that would be highly improper in a real courtroom. This is, after all, television. Some things are allowed to occur presumably because they make for good TV. A truly realistic version of small claims court action would be difficult if not impossible to find on television, and would be almost as interesting as watching paint dry. If a person wanted to see such action, small claims courts open to the public all over the nation.

As far as Juge alex liking the plaintiff, I wasn't convinced that he was all that enamored of her. He seemed more to be humoring an elderly woman in an almost patronizing manner. Furthermore, I don't honestly believe that a favorable judgement could be bought with a plate of tamales. If you believe otherwise, that's perfectly OK. Of course a judge couldn't accept such a gift in a bona fide court of law, but this was television.

Regarding the defendant having lost her job, when asked point blank if the plaintiff was the reason she was fired, she stated that she "believe[d]" that it was "in part" due to the plaintiff's actions. At that point, introducing any actual evidence, such as a letter supporting up her claim, would have carried far more weight than relying on her subjective belief. A judge isn't likely to find in favor on such a count based solely on a belief without more corroborating evidence. Again, if you wish to disagree, that is certainly your prerogative.

If you derive genuine pleasure from watching episodes of Judge Alex and pointing out how unrealistic it is as compared to the nuts and bolts of the real world of civil law, I wish you all the happiness in the world. Telvision programs exist to entertain each of us on our own terms, and likewise, forums such as this one exist for the enjoyment of each of us. If, however, Judge Alex's take on justice bothers you in all seriousness, it's probably not worth the elevation in blood pressure to which such ire would be conducive.

I'm curious: were you ever a litigant on his show, and did he do something to offend you?

[–] jamesbwill 15 years ago

I am just a retired lawyer who enjoys watching judge shows. I do critique the judges as to their knowledge of the law and procedures. I guess I can't help it. I used to like Judge Alex, but lately he has completely ignored all semblance of proper legal procedure in the cases he hears. His handling of the case yesterday was a complete travesty. It is not real courtroom, but there should be absolute fairness in it, regardless. He was not fair to the defendant, a pattern he has displayed in many cases recently. I believe that this must be the design of the producers, who are trying to boost ratings by having a more Jerry Springer-like atmospshere.

I can appreciate the sarcasm of your post. Please try to understand that others can form a critical opinion of a person that you greatly admire without being a nasty or bitter individual. Sometimes, a critic is just expressing an honest opinion that may actually be accurate.

[–] aleximerc 15 years ago

Sarcasm was never my intent.