Judge Mathis - Judge Greg Mathis

Judge Greg Mathis

Main article: Greg Mathis

Judge Mathis typically begins proceedings by allowing both plaintiff and defendant to present their full interpretation of the case, remaining relaxed and dispassionate in these moments. Understanding and open-minded, he displays a respect for many of the controversial and sensitive personal details or struggles of his litigants. Never missing an opportunity to create a laugh or poke fun, however, Mathis is all too given to wisecracking, ridiculing, and rousing his audience to laughter, even bantering directly at audience members at times. Mathis also makes a point of calling attention to any and all peculiarities or juicy details revealed throughout the proceedings, emphasizing them, sensationalizing them, and using them as a form of entertainment. Disposed to stultifying anything he perceives as silly or illogical, Mathis regularly uses a pitch-rising voice quality to suggest that certain litigants have not recognized the obvious. Moreover, Mathis teases some of the litigants with facial expressions and vocal tones that communicate a struggle with understanding many of their points.

Judge Mathis sometimes tolerates informal digressions; in fact, he occasionally entertains mean-spirited, personal asides by one litigant to the other litigant, but then allows the defamed party equal time to respond in kind. Some petitioners have been known to blurt out statements in the heat of the moment that contradict their own sworn testimony or otherwise undermine their cases, while Mathis listens with amusement and laughter. Despite his playful, teasing nature while on the bench, Mathis has limits and admonishes litigants if they're becoming too difficult or disrespectful. The last portion of the case sees Mathis at his toughest, providing an explanation behind the direction of his verdict, along with a stern lecturing to any litigants he finds guilty.

Judge Greg Mathis has been characterized as follows:

Able to shift between a formal and informal speaking manner during his cases, Mathis is quoted as wisecracking during cases, "Y’all out here having catfights, tryin’ to become jailbirds," and "Don't nobody know what choo' did. Shoot! Choo' just didn't get caught." The key to Greg Mathis' success as a judge is that he's relatable. As a unique role model and personality, he stands out from other court show judges. So concerned is the judge with helping steer troubled youth in the right direction, the show's second season featured a documentary on Greg Mathis' life. As a young man, Greg Mathis was involved with gangs, dropped out of school, spent time behind bars; however, as part of a promise to his dying mother, he completely turned his life around: he attended college; passed the bar and earned a law degree; became the youngest judge in Michigan’s history and then served as a Superior Court Judge for Michigan’s 36th District. Mathis believes rehabilitation is within almost everyone's reach if they just receive the right guidance, which is what he tries to provide. In addition to upholding the rule of law in court, he makes a point of emphasizing that education is key to a brighter future. The continued success of his court show has led to the growth of a new generation of younger court show viewers. People understand that it's his concern for their futures that motivates many of his decisions.