Growing up Black, chances are you’ve sat in your grandmother’s bedroom to watch daytime entertainment shows. These programs included game shows, talk shows and the famous court TV dramas. Among them include the stunning judge court shows showcasing Black female judges on TV. Donned in their regal Black robes, these Black women continue to pave the way for more representation in the television industry. They even inspire younger generations to get involved in law.
Are Most Television Judges Real?
Most television court personalities aren’t actual judges. Examples include Steve Harvey hosting “Judge Steve Harvey,” and Chrissy Teigen’s court drama “Chrissy’s Court.” These people don’t have legal training, but these shows also aren’t based in a real-life courtroom either. Instead, these court episodes are arbitration hearings where both parties agree to let a neutral third party make a ruling.
Judge Lauren Lake
Judge Lauren Lake has been practicing law for almost two decades. Lake’s practice centered around family law, which led her to hosting “Lauren Lake’s Paternity Court” in 2013. There, she peeled back the curtain on the real-life rifts families dealing with during legal battles. In addition, Lake has offered her legal advice on shows including “ The View,” “Power 105.1” and “The Tom Joyner Morning Show.” Her original show ran for seven seasons. It even earned her the Daytime Emmy Award in 2019 for Outstanding Legal/Courtroom Program. In 2016, Lake returned to the television screen with “We the People with Judge Lauren Lake.” The show is available to stream on Peacock.
Dana Tippin Cutler
Dana Tippin Cutler and her husband Keith, a fellow attorney, are known for hosting “Couples Court with the Cutlers” on television. Tippin Cutler has been in the world of law way before her show aired. While earning her bachelors degree from Spelman College, she began dating her now husband. In 2016, Tippin Cutler made history as the first Black woman to serve as Missouri Bar president. During her role, she helped create the Courageous Collaboration program to increase law firm’s awareness of implicit biases.
Judge Lynn Toler
Judge Lynn Toler is renowned for her endearing advice for young women and witty comebacks on “Divorce Court.” Hosting for 14 seasons, Toler still holds the title as the longest running judge on the court television series. Her early life included earning her undergraduate degree from Harvard College and a Juris Doctor from UPenn’s law school. In 2019, Toler published her book “Dear Sonali, Letters to the Daughter I Never Had,” which features advice for young Black women. Although Toler left “Divorce Court” in 2022, she still appears on television. Toler often joins Dr. Ish Major as a co-host and marriage mentor on “Marriage Boot Camp Reality Stars – Hip Hop Edition.”
Judge Glenda Hatchett
Judge Glenda Hatchett was breaking barriers before she ever banged a gavel on television. After law school Hatchett worked at Delta Air Lines in the legal department. During her time there, she was the highest-ranking woman of color worldwide. Next, she took the role of Chief Presiding Judge of the Fulton County, Georgia Juvenile Court. She made history as Georgia’s first African-American Chief Presiding Judge of a state court. From there Hatchett transitioned to TV, hosting “Judge Hatchett” from 2000 to 2008. The show, which represented Sony Pictures Television’s first court show, was a massive success. These days, Judge Hatchett is sitting on the National Football League’s Atlanta Falcons’ Board of Advisors.