Word: wapner
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Dates: during 1980-1989
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Covered by cameras hidden behind screens, the litigants take their places at lecterns* and argue their cases before Joseph Wapner, 61, a silver-haired retired judge whose 20-year career on the bench began with a stint in Los Angeles small-claims court. Wapner deliberates during a commercial break, then renders his judgment, which is final, since the parties on the show must waive their right to proceed in a real courtroom...
...Wapner, son of a practicing lawyer who used to appear on TV's Divorce Court, clinched his job in an audition by coolly refereeing a dispute that nearly came to blows, thus beating out eight other candidates. In the cases taped for upcoming shows, fisticuffs is almost the only thing he has not had to contend with. Sam vs. Sam grew out of an unfortunate fight to the finish between a Chihuahua and a Great Dane, both named Sam. Little Sam's owner wanted $700 compensation...