Court On Camera: The Appeal Of Courtroom TV

It’s candid camera on DStv in the courtroom as Court Cam captures the US’s most shocking real-life legal meltdowns.

- Genevieve Terblanche

Courtroom shows might be the ultimate in popcorn TV. They’re full of “Oh no you didn’t”, “Did he just say that?”, and “How dumb do you think we are?” moments. The likes of Judge Judy and her followers, including Judge Joe Brown (read p11 for both), allow us to not only shake our heads over the wicked and shiftless cheats and cons of the world, they give us the character of the judge, a higher being. Not only do mostly the judges agree with us, they immediately hand out punishment to people who’ve crossed the line. It’s satisfying as it plays out onscreen and they’re led away in shame. TVs most popular judges are quotable and relatable to the point that the saying “only Judy can judge me” is a popular tattoo. It’s about the victory of truth and right over deception and stupidity.

But if you’ve ever wondered who judges the judges, the witness, the cases and the whole courtroom… well, this could be your job after Court Cam season started on Lifetime (*131) at the end of August. The series is based on surveillance footage recorded in select courthouses across the US, and features some of the most dramatic, emotional moments ever caught during US trials. It shows breakdowns of not just the witnesses and accused, but the legal system itself. Unlike normal TV judge shows, these are high-stakes murder and robbery trials. No dog-snatching, rent-dodging defendants here.

TRIAL BY DAN