Judge Karen

Judge Karen is an American arbitration-based reality court show that aired in first-run syndication and debuted on September 8, 2008 in 48 of the top 50 U.S. markets.[1] As with other court shows, such as The People's Court and Judge Judy, a retired real-life judge presides over small claims court cases. On this show, the judge is Karen Mills-Francis, an African-American woman twice elected Miami-Dade County Court judge, who claims that "justice isn't always black and white". She did not wear the traditional black robe, but instead a burgundy one. The introductory sequence showed her presiding over cases, with the announcer saying "She's tough, she's fair, and she cares".[1] The show was produced and distributed by Sony Pictures Television.[1]

Logo from 2008 show

To distinguish itself from other shows in the crowded field, Judge Karen permitted litigants to cross-examine witnesses, with a segment at the end in which Mills-Francis answers videotaped questions from viewers.[1] This segment was entitled "Ask Judge Karen"

It was announced on January 10, 2009 that Judge Karen would not be renewed for a second season.[2] At present, reruns are being televised on BET and TV One network.