When you turn on the television and see a courtroom drama playing out, you might assume it is all scripted. But many of these shows feature real litigants with real disputes, making the drama all the more compelling.

Shows like Judge Judy and The People's Court have been on the air for decades, showcasing genuine small claims disputes. The litigants sign agreements to have their cases heard on television, and the show pays the judgments.

This format has had a profound impact on how the public perceives the legal system. While traditional courtrooms can be dry and procedural, these shows condense hours of proceedings into engaging 30-minute episodes.

Critics argue that these shows oversimplify complex legal issues and can be misleading. However, proponents say they increase legal literacy and make the justice system more accessible to the average person.

The success of these shows has spawned numerous imitators and has even influenced how some actual courts operate, with judges becoming more conscious of public engagement.