About the Show

"JUDGE MATHIS"
Show Description

After another extraordinary year and over 1,200 episodes, “Judge Mathis” returns for its ninth season on September 10, 2007. Inspired by Judge Greg Mathis’ own gang-to-gavel story, “Judge Mathis” is a nationally syndicated reality-based court show presided over by former Detroit-area District Court Judge Greg Mathis. Mathis’ decisions are legal and binding. In addition, he uses the bench to provide resolution and counseling to the litigants. That powerful combination helped earn the show a 2005 NAACP Image Award Nomination and a 2004 NAACP Image Award win.

Judge Greg Mathis is a unique role model and personality, which makes him stand out from other court show judges. As a young man, Greg Mathis was involved with gangs, dropped out of school, spent time in jail and then, as a promise to his dying mother, turned his life around. He attended college, 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. Known for running his courtroom with a no-nonsense style and streetwise sensibility, Mathis often uses himself as an example to those who appear before him.

The key to Mathis’ success in the courtroom is his relatability. Having made the journey from behind bars to passing the bar, Mathis believes rehabilitation is within everyone’s reach if they receive the right guidance, which is what he tries to provide. In addition to upholding the rule of law in court, he makes it a point to stress that education is the key to a better future.

Even though he dispenses some of that “tough love” every now and then in his courtroom, people understand that it’s his concern for them that motivates his decisions. Year after year, Judge Mathis continues to extend this advocacy to the streets. During his visits to local markets, he speaks to young adults and provides them with the tools necessary to turn their lives around, while also encouraging them to take advantage of the opportunities available in their own hometowns – even in the toughest of neighborhoods. Judge Mathis continues to tour the country with his Youth And Education Expos to cities such as Atlanta, Chicago, Philadelphia and Detroit to arm children, teens and parents with motivation, information and the resources they need to make the most of their future. Mathis believes anyone can turn their life around, no matter their background or life experience.

This inspirational and positive message was also recognized by the entertainment industry in May 2002, when "Judge Mathis" was honored with a Prism Commendation for a special episode about teens and drunk driving. So concerned is the Judge with helping steer troubled youth in the right direction, that the show’s second season featured a special program on Greg Mathis’ life titled “Gang to Gavel”.

"Judge Mathis" offers powerful and effective drama in the form of real-life litigant claims, and viewers can often expect to see cases pulled from the news. With the abundance of celebrity transgressions and small-town disputes in local newspapers across the country, "Judge Mathis" stays current bringing viewers up-to-date with the cases of the day.

“Judge Mathis” is produced by AND Syndicated Productions and Telepictures Productions, an industry leading and Emmy award winning producer of syndicated programming, and distributed by Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution.