Judge Mathis - Show Format

Show Format

In the series, retired District Court judge of Michigan's 36th District Court, Greg Mathis, presides over disputes between plaintiffs and defendants. The cases are classified as tort law, civil disputes with a maximum $5,000 claim, a typical amount for small claims court cases. There are typically four cases presented in each hour-long episode. The show solicits litigants with real cases before the court, and each litigant must enter into a legally binding agreement to be held under the judgment. The producers of the show select cases, and it appears that Mathis does not have prior knowledge of the case besides reading typical material fact claims filed with a small claims court. Thus, like the typical small claims court, the plaintiff has the burden of proof and must argue his/her case before the Judge and answer any questions directed to him/her. Like most small claims court procedure, the parties before him cannot cross examine each other and must speak only to the bench. Typically, Mathis asks for documents that verify a claim, and upon final judgment he may briefly explain the legal principle guiding his decision, especially if his ruling is based on a particular state's law. The rulings conform to the laws of the state where the case was originally filed.

Before every case each litigant is assigned a case manager who helps make the case more interesting to television audiences. They are also instructed to add extra details to "beef up" their case for added entertainment purposes.