Q: Judge Joe Brown often talks about having people fined and arrested for any kind of contempt or disrespect in the "courtroom." Does the show actually have the authority to do this, or is it just the expected staging of the series?
As you suspect, Judge Joe Brown's threats of contempt charges are empty. He and his various court-show colleagues can't charge someone with contempt of court, because they're not in court.
The "Judge Judys," "Judge Joe Browns" and "People's Courts" of the TV world are actually performing arbitration, not litigation. Arbitration is a process whereby people agree to let a third party rule on a dispute. The arbitrator has no legal authority beyond the contract signed between the people involved.
Going in 'Blind': NBC's acclaimed 'Blindspot' returns to prime time
Sullivan Stapleton and Jaimie Alexander star in "Blindspot"
The fall television season is undoubtedly the most anticipated of the year, making it highly competitive as networks roll out old and hopefully new favorites. A good lead can make or break a prime-time run as audiences settle into viewing patterns, and NBC hopes to nab viewers early with one of last season's top performers.
Recaps for the week of September 5 - 9
Melissa Claire Egan as seen in "The Young and the Restless"
The Bold and the Beautiful
Ivy grows suspicious when Quinn gives her a makeover that makes her bear a very close resemblance to another Forrester woman. Brooke sends Ridge a photo that indicates she has put their plan to regain control of Forrester Creations into action. Later, Brooke and Ridge fill the family in on their plan to get Quinn out of the company and their lives. Quinn bears the brunt of the disdain rolling off of Ridge and Steffy when she runs into them. Chaos ensues when Steffy finds out that Ivy has returned to work at Forrester. Wyatt pleads with his mother to take her jewelry line to another company for the sake of his marriage. Later, a stressed Wyatt asks Thomas for advice. Liam comes face to face with Ivy for the first time since they went to Australia. Eric talks to Stephanie's portrait at the mansion, and he asks her opinion about Quinn. Brooke and Ridge become emotional when they discuss Brooke's relationship with Bill, their plan to take back Forrester and their past together.
Days of Our Lives
Marlena has a near miss with a face from her past when she visits Clyde in prison. Jennifer receives surprising news about Abigail from Laura. Chad struggles with his decision to let Adrienne and Lucas take custody of Thomas. Kayla gets brutally honest with Steve after skipping out on their couple's therapy session. Chad turns to Kate, hoping she'll help rebuild his father's empire for Thomas. JJ tries to make things right with Gabi when he returns home. After setting a trap, Victor and Deimos confront Tate's kidnapper. Clyde realizes he has a lot in common with Orpheus. Eve grabs Theresa for an impromptu bachelorette party. Kayla suffers a health scare. Hope is distraught when she learns Aiden is re-opening the investigation into Stefano's death. Chad asks Belle to move to Hong Kong for her new job. Meanwhile, Shawn tells Hope he's not sure if he's cut out to work for the Salem Police Department. Sonny takes a shaken Chad out of the house to get some air.
General Hospital
Sabrina's suspicions grow and Naomi does her best to support her daughter. Nina urges Franco to tell the truth, while Liz suffers an emergency. Ava bears witness to an incident for which she is culpable. Dillon takes steps to move on with his life. Valerie does not approve of Curtis, and Dante and Lulu receive some very important information from Robert. Griffin makes a heartfelt apology to Maxie. New evidence is discovered. Carly makes Nelle an offer. Morgan begins to display erratic behavior.
The Young and the Restless
Phyllis tries to back out, but succumbs to the pressure when Billy invites her and Jack to join him and Ashley for dinner. At dinner, Billy reveals that Jill is holding something over his head in the hopes he'll get back together with Victoria. Phyllis panics as she thinks Billy will reveal their affair. Later, Phyllis pulls away when Billy squeezes her hand under the table. Jill tells Billy and Victoria that she's sending them on a business trip to Seattle. Billy convinces Cane to take his place, and to keep the switch from Jill. Ashley asks Jack when Phyllis will get past things and put him first. Abby opens up to Ashley and reveals that she and Stitch are having problems. Chloe tells Kevin she needs time for herself when he asks her why she throws up a wall every time they get start to get close.
Q: There used to be a program on, I believe in the summer, about two southern women who owned a lingerie store. Do you know if this show will be on again?
Alas, Lifetime has ended its support for "Double Divas." The reality series, which detailed the operations of a custom lingerie store in Atlanta, was canceled in 2013, after its second season.
Under wraps: PBS looks into a little-known period in Churchill's life
Michael Gambon stars in "Churchill's Secret"
I imagine it was easier being a public figure in the '50s than it is today. Thanks to the Internet, social media and instant photography, the words and actions of today's politicians and celebrities are spread far and wide almost immediately.
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Q: Why was Rita Hayworth dropped from the title of "The Shawshank Redemption"? Stephen King's original short story had the actress in the title, but the movie didn't.
It's become a sort of Hollywood legend that Frank Darabont, the director and screenwriter of the neo-classic 1994 drama "The Shawshank Redemption," dropped Rita Hayworth's name from the title because people were already mistaking it for a biopic of the silver-screen actress.
Symon and suds: Chef Michael Symon pairs the best brews with the tastiest foods
Michael Symon hosts “Burgers, Brew and ‘Que”
It's no secret: beer is big. A craft brewing revolution has been sweeping across the country, and even folks who don't drink the stuff have to appreciate the passion that brewers are putting into their craft.
Glover goes home: Former 'Community' star is heading back to 'Atlanta'
Donald Glover as seen in “Atlanta”
Glover goes home: Donald Glover's entertainment career continues to expand. The former "Community" fan favorite is finally headlining his own show, and it's no wonder he has the starring role: he also created the show.
My Big Fat American Gypsy Wedding, on TLC
Gypsy families allow cameras into their lives as they celebrate with over-the-top weddings and other outrageous parties in this new season. Learn about their mysterious culture, from arranged marriages to customs and superstitions.
