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KMAX Judge Judy Nov. 28, 2001 11:28 am She's the Boss, Applesauce! Smart, savvy and opinionated, the irrepressible Judge Judith Sheindlin holds court as presiding judge over real-life cases on the highly successful courtroom series JUDGE JUDY. Having made a name for herself as a tough but fair judge in New York's Family Court, Judge Judith Sheindlin retired from the bench in 1996 and segued to television to host the syndicated series, whose sixth season began September 10, 2001. Judge Judith Sheindlin brings her trademark wit and wisdom to the widely successful half-hour series that takes viewers inside a television courtroom where justice is dispensed at lightning speed. Judge Judith Sheindlin's career in family court began in 1972 prosecuting juvenile delinquency cases for the state of New York. Though it was an emotionally taxing job, Judge Judith Sheindlin knew right away she had found her calling, quickly developing a reputation as a sharp, no-nonsense lawyer. In 1982, New York's then-Mayor, Edward Koch, appointed Judge Judith Sheindlin to the bench as a Judge in the Family Court. Four years later, she was appointed the Supervising Judge in Manhattan and since then, has heard over 20,000 cases in her career. A swift decision-maker with no tolerance for excuses, Judge Judith Sheindlin earned a reputation as one of New York's toughest judges. While on the bench, her message was simple – take responsibility for yourself, your actions and the children you've brought into the world. Judge Judith Sheindlin is credited with pioneering an "open court policy," allowing the public and the media to view her day-to-day proceedings, which was not a common practice at the time. "Americans have the right to know how their interests are being represented," says the Judge. Even as a child, Judy seemed destined to pursue a legal career. Never without an opinion or point of view, everything was a debate to young Judy. "My father thought I would be a Senator because I was always a