You’ve seen Judge Hatchett, you’ve seen Judge Toler, but you’ve never seen courtroom TV like this. Sony Pictures Television’s nationally syndicated court strip introduces “Judge Karen” with bold, new sassiness that hit airwaves Monday. Karen Mills-Francis is known for her striking comments — “I can give you attitude all day!” — her decisive manner, jovial personality, burgundy robe and bright blonde hair.
More than just a resounding figure on the bench, this Miami native brings authenticity to the courtroom, compassion and the importance of seeking truth behind each civil case heard. Executive producer Rich Goldman says though he has produced many courtroom shows, Judge Karen brings something unique to this genre.
“She is sharp and shrewd, she is commanding in her courtroom,” Goldman said. “She is as funny as she wants to be with an incredible sense of humor that bleeds into almost every case.”
During a Recorder interview, Judge Karen Mills-Francis talks about her no-nonsense approach for what she calls a show that fuses the reality of court with the entertainment of court to create a new element never seen before.
How would you describe yourself to your viewers?
Judge Karen: I think I have a good sense of humor, and I’m quick witted. I was a criminal defense lawyer for 13 years so I tried a lot of cases, and I’m very good at cross-examining people myself. I get to the facts and I don’t allow the parties to interrupt each other.
What sets your courtroom apart from those previously seen?
Court shows are entertaining and all the judges bring something different. It was important to me when I accepted this assignment that my show be court first, then entertaining. It’s all real. There’s no acting and there’s no script. What happens is what is happening in that moment.
What are some new elements your show brings to this genre?
When we question witnesses they don’t stand in the courtroom listening to the testimony of the litigants. They are outside of the witness room. I allow parties to cross-examine witnesses. Nobody else does that, but that’s what happens in real court. We use a telestrator to introduce evidence that litigants can draw on, similar to what the NFL uses. At the end of every episode we have a segment called “Ask Judge Karen” where people ask through video legal questions and I answer them for every show.
What have you taken away from this experience?
I have been a judge for eight years, and I have never seen as much heartache as I have seen in these civil cases. The number of women out there who have so little self esteem that allow men to walk over them. There are so many women who give their money, their time their bodies to men who give them nothing back. I find I’m not lecturing these women but trying to empower them to know they are worth more than that.
What do you hope to accomplish from your new platform?
It’s so funny because you never know who is listening to you. I had a girl who works with me on the set say to me you know I couldn’t sleep at night. I heard you talking to one of the litigants the other day and I got the nerve to finally confront my uncle, and for the first time in a long time I could sleep at night. I never knew I was talking to her, I was talking to the people in front of me, but she heard me, and I’m hoping that a lot of other women will hear me.
Judge Karen airs at noon and 12:30 p.m. on WTTV Channel 4 Monday- Friday.
For more information about the show go to www.judgekarentv.com.
