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Don't Pee on My Leg and Tell Me It's Raining
Can we get some reality in here? asks Judy Sheindlin, former supervising judge for Manhattan Family Court. For twenty-four years she has laid down the law as she understands it.
If you want to eat, you have to work.
If you have children, you'd better support them.
If you break the law, you have to pay.
If you tap the public purse, you'd better be accountable.
Now she abandons all judicial restraint in a scathing critique of the system -- filled with realistic hard-nosed alternatives to our bloated welfare bureaucracy and our soft-on-crime laws.
If you want to eat, you have to work.
If you have children, you'd better support them.
If you break the law, you have to pay.
If you tap the public purse, you'd better be accountable.
Now she abandons all judicial restraint in a scathing critique of the system -- filled with realistic hard-nosed alternatives to our bloated welfare bureaucracy and our soft-on-crime laws.
256 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 1996
44 people are currently reading
1047 people want to read
About the author
Judy Sheindlin
19 books74 followersJudith Susan Sheindlin , professionally known as Judge Judy, is an American prosecution lawyer, former Manhattan family court judge, television personality, television producer, and author. Since September 1996, Sheindlin has presided over her own successful 3-time Daytime Emmy Award–winning arbitration-based court show series, Judge Judy, produced by CBS Television Distribution.
Sheindlin passed the New York state bar examination in 1965 and became a prosecutor in the family court system. In 1982 New York City Mayor Ed Koch appointed her as a judge, first in criminal court, then later as Manhattan's supervising family court judge in 1986.
It was reported in mid-2012 that Sheindlin was the highest-paid television personality, making $123,000 per day, or $45,000,000 annually for the 52 days per year that she tapes her show. In October 2013 it was reported that Sheindlin was still the highest paid TV star, earning $47 million per year for Judge Judy.
The series has earned her the honorific of "Court Show Queen". Sheindlin is the longest serving judge or arbitrator in courtroom-themed programming history, a distinction that earned Sheindlin a place in the Guinness World Records.
Sheindlin passed the New York state bar examination in 1965 and became a prosecutor in the family court system. In 1982 New York City Mayor Ed Koch appointed her as a judge, first in criminal court, then later as Manhattan's supervising family court judge in 1986.
It was reported in mid-2012 that Sheindlin was the highest-paid television personality, making $123,000 per day, or $45,000,000 annually for the 52 days per year that she tapes her show. In October 2013 it was reported that Sheindlin was still the highest paid TV star, earning $47 million per year for Judge Judy.
The series has earned her the honorific of "Court Show Queen". Sheindlin is the longest serving judge or arbitrator in courtroom-themed programming history, a distinction that earned Sheindlin a place in the Guinness World Records.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 125 reviews
September 4, 2015
Judge Judy for president!! I love Judge Judy and her points of views. I have grown to respect her for her ability to make irresponsible people be held accountable for their actions. I agreed with everything she stated in her book. Some of the topics she discusses that are right on point are:
1. The fact that parents have grown to become irresponsible for their lack of parenting.
2. Welfare should be an assistance and not a way of life.
3. Dead beat mothers should pay up just like dead beat fathers.
The following are some of my favorite quotes from "Don't Pee on My Leg and Tell Me It's Raining":,
"If I am on my game, a male delinquent will find his time in my court to be the 2nd worst experience of his life- circumcision being the first".
"Home, School and communities all have a hand in raising our children. In that order. In this country, we have it backward".
"If you stay in school, we will support you. Otherwise, support yourself. No exceptions".
"If a middle class kid drops out of school, the $2,000 tax break parents claim for him should be eliminated. Period".
"Criminals are the loudest when insisting on their rights".
"Once you have been incarcerated, you have lost your right to generate frivolous lawsuits".
I think we all know our share of people who can use a good hearing from Judge Judy in her courtroom! It was very frustrating to read so many of the same receptive stories of people that abuse our legal system and how some of our laws are taken as jokes. I seriously would wish she would run for president I think she would change so many things for us hard working people who are sick of lazy people abusing the system. I agree 100% when she says the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to pursue opportunity. It does not require the government to provide that opportunity. Beyond creating an atmosphere - legal and social- that enables people to grow, no one is owed anything!
1. The fact that parents have grown to become irresponsible for their lack of parenting.
2. Welfare should be an assistance and not a way of life.
3. Dead beat mothers should pay up just like dead beat fathers.
The following are some of my favorite quotes from "Don't Pee on My Leg and Tell Me It's Raining":,
"If I am on my game, a male delinquent will find his time in my court to be the 2nd worst experience of his life- circumcision being the first".
"Home, School and communities all have a hand in raising our children. In that order. In this country, we have it backward".
"If you stay in school, we will support you. Otherwise, support yourself. No exceptions".
"If a middle class kid drops out of school, the $2,000 tax break parents claim for him should be eliminated. Period".
"Criminals are the loudest when insisting on their rights".
"Once you have been incarcerated, you have lost your right to generate frivolous lawsuits".
I think we all know our share of people who can use a good hearing from Judge Judy in her courtroom! It was very frustrating to read so many of the same receptive stories of people that abuse our legal system and how some of our laws are taken as jokes. I seriously would wish she would run for president I think she would change so many things for us hard working people who are sick of lazy people abusing the system. I agree 100% when she says the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to pursue opportunity. It does not require the government to provide that opportunity. Beyond creating an atmosphere - legal and social- that enables people to grow, no one is owed anything!
October 6, 2009
I remember when Judge Judy came on TV back in the 90s. Between this book title and the apparent $10 scripting budget, I dismissed her as gimmicky daytime tv.
And maybe I was right. But recently I saw her show and really, how can you hate on someone who makes a living screaming at deadbeats to take some personal responsibility? How many times in a day do you wish you could do that?
I have heard Judy interviewed and she is always thoughtful and articulate, so my main beef with DPOML is that its really just a 200 page rant against the welfare and juvenile systems, written with minimal citations and at a 3rd grade level. She includes such gems as: "If you're old enough to have a baby, you're old enough to pack groceries," and "due process should not be the doo-doo process." Come on, Judy. You have 25 years experience in America's roughest courts. Hire a researcher and write a serious book with the facts.
And while I'm on it, where is there a book about television courts? Surely there are some interesting legal situations here. After much searching, I was only able to turn up one academic paper, although it was packed with tidbits. Did you know that tv courts are technically arbitration? And the producers pay the awarded money, thus largely reducing the defendant's incentive to build a case? And what are the legal ramifications of these "judgments" anyway? So much potential here!
And maybe I was right. But recently I saw her show and really, how can you hate on someone who makes a living screaming at deadbeats to take some personal responsibility? How many times in a day do you wish you could do that?
I have heard Judy interviewed and she is always thoughtful and articulate, so my main beef with DPOML is that its really just a 200 page rant against the welfare and juvenile systems, written with minimal citations and at a 3rd grade level. She includes such gems as: "If you're old enough to have a baby, you're old enough to pack groceries," and "due process should not be the doo-doo process." Come on, Judy. You have 25 years experience in America's roughest courts. Hire a researcher and write a serious book with the facts.
And while I'm on it, where is there a book about television courts? Surely there are some interesting legal situations here. After much searching, I was only able to turn up one academic paper, although it was packed with tidbits. Did you know that tv courts are technically arbitration? And the producers pay the awarded money, thus largely reducing the defendant's incentive to build a case? And what are the legal ramifications of these "judgments" anyway? So much potential here!
February 16, 2017
As mentioned in my update,I absolutely love Judge Judy. I record her show religiously everyday,the way she handles cases are amusing and tough. Needless to say,I looked forward reading this,but what I got was a huge disappointment. The writing style was disjointed and forced,I felt like the writer badly prepared a manuscript. Also it lacks the humor that Judy has,it was extremely tedious to read through the consistency and subject matters.
Love Judge Judy,but this book was not for me. I will continue to watch her,but don't have interest reading more of her books.
Two stars cause I love the person, but that's about it.
Love Judge Judy,but this book was not for me. I will continue to watch her,but don't have interest reading more of her books.
Two stars cause I love the person, but that's about it.
November 23, 2018
Certainly challenging, but not in the right ways.
Judge Judy was a popular morning watch in my young adulthood. She is no nonsense, but also gives out common sense advice to seemingly dimwitted people. Judy gives the impression that whatever situation arises she could sort it out in 5 minutes.
I was interested to read this book as I thought it would be a measured and researched opinion of the years she spent on the front line of family court in the Bronx. However what I got was a gimmick, one liner filled bargain bin book. Which is a deep disappointment. It seems like it was either ghost written or Judy isn't of the caliber of common sense we all thought she was.
I respect her bravery in being blunt. However as a white, rich woman, she didn't have a lot to lose by writing her views in the first place.
I would respect her views a lot more if they were backed up by research. She makes broad statements without backing them up with reliable research or facts. There seems to be little compassion or empathy in her views. I understand compassion fatigue all too well in my own profession (Nursing), however Judy doesn't seem to think there is any excuse and uses her own upbringing as the basis for this. The title comes from a response her father made to her achieving failing grades at College. However Judy hasn't, or seems to not have, experienced physical or sexual abuse. She hasn't lived in extreme poverty or in a community dominanted by gang violence. She lacks any compassion for people who has experienced these things. She gives sweeping judgements on large sections of society without any fact checking/research. She has her opinions and experience of course, but she is in a position of entitlement and doesn't have any understanding of that position.
I wish this was a better book and I think Judy was capable of writing a better book. This book sounds like someone's aunt after too many glasses wine ranting about the 'ethnics'.
Judge Judy was a popular morning watch in my young adulthood. She is no nonsense, but also gives out common sense advice to seemingly dimwitted people. Judy gives the impression that whatever situation arises she could sort it out in 5 minutes.
I was interested to read this book as I thought it would be a measured and researched opinion of the years she spent on the front line of family court in the Bronx. However what I got was a gimmick, one liner filled bargain bin book. Which is a deep disappointment. It seems like it was either ghost written or Judy isn't of the caliber of common sense we all thought she was.
I respect her bravery in being blunt. However as a white, rich woman, she didn't have a lot to lose by writing her views in the first place.
I would respect her views a lot more if they were backed up by research. She makes broad statements without backing them up with reliable research or facts. There seems to be little compassion or empathy in her views. I understand compassion fatigue all too well in my own profession (Nursing), however Judy doesn't seem to think there is any excuse and uses her own upbringing as the basis for this. The title comes from a response her father made to her achieving failing grades at College. However Judy hasn't, or seems to not have, experienced physical or sexual abuse. She hasn't lived in extreme poverty or in a community dominanted by gang violence. She lacks any compassion for people who has experienced these things. She gives sweeping judgements on large sections of society without any fact checking/research. She has her opinions and experience of course, but she is in a position of entitlement and doesn't have any understanding of that position.
I wish this was a better book and I think Judy was capable of writing a better book. This book sounds like someone's aunt after too many glasses wine ranting about the 'ethnics'.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2019
Whew! What a read! I am such a big fan of Judge Judy, I have been for years. She is a tell it as it is woman, and I fully admire that. In this book, she tells you about several cases that she has had to deal with in court and how our system is failing itself, as well as our country. The ONLY reason I gave this book a four star review is because at one point in the book she calls unplanned children ‘mistakes’. I fully understand that this is a personal issue. I see all children as blessings, planned or not. Rant aside, I’m actually waiting on getting a signed autograph in the mail from her. I’ve never had or wanted someone’s autograph in my life, that’s how much I look up to her. I have recently purchased her other books, and will read them as soon as they arrive. I highly recommend this book!
January 18, 2015
This book intrigued me since Megyn Kelly said that it was one of the best books that she had ever read, so I thought I would check it out for myself. So far this book is just like Judge Judy; straight forward, honest and oh so refreshing. "As a family court judge, I look down on a daily pageant of dysfunction that would curl your hair. Think of every social problem you can that affects America's disintegrating familes -- welfare abuse, juvenile violence, abandoned or abused children, ugly custody fights -- and you have just begun to scratch the surface of what parades through my court."
"After 24 years in court, I have come to realize that these are not just legal problems in a downton building. They are a mirror of what has gone wrong in America, a reflection of how far we have strayed from personal responsibility and old fashioned discipline."
This book should be read by everyone. Judge Judy has commonsense answers and solutions to civil, criminal and social justice issues. She blends humor and her vast experience with the US judicial system into one infinitely readable book.
"After 24 years in court, I have come to realize that these are not just legal problems in a downton building. They are a mirror of what has gone wrong in America, a reflection of how far we have strayed from personal responsibility and old fashioned discipline."
This book should be read by everyone. Judge Judy has commonsense answers and solutions to civil, criminal and social justice issues. She blends humor and her vast experience with the US judicial system into one infinitely readable book.
March 3, 2016
I agreed with her views on some of the problems in society and wanted to hear more of what she had to say. Unfortunately, her examples made me want to buy more locks for my doors to protect myself from the people in her examples that had done horrible things then gotten off without punishment or minimal punishment. And never leave my house. On top of that, all the things she details as being issues seem so major that improving them seems impossible and therefore makes things seem so bleak. Her suggestions on improvements sound so reasonable that you know they'll never be implemented or implemented successfully. We live in an insane world which I kind of knew, just not how insane.I didn't need to know. Excuse me, I need to go make sure my doors are locked.
June 30, 2011
Wow - who knew that I would love a book written 15 years ago by Judge Judy? She nails so many social issues right on the head. I wonder why many of these problems haven't been resolved with her suggestions after fifteen years? I think it should be required reading for all high school students.
"Teen pregnancy is not simpoly immoral, wasteful or unhealthy, it is stupid."
More than 90% of people that came before Judge Judy were receiving some kind of handout.
Charity for the needy - all others get a job!!!
Just lots of great ideas!!!
"Teen pregnancy is not simpoly immoral, wasteful or unhealthy, it is stupid."
More than 90% of people that came before Judge Judy were receiving some kind of handout.
Charity for the needy - all others get a job!!!
Just lots of great ideas!!!
June 11, 2021
Very informative, and shocking. Judy is very blunt and direct with good morals and some of the cases she's had to deal with are disgusting. This book is not for the faint of heart.
August 24, 2016
Check out my full review here:
http://confessionsofabookgeek.com/201...
First of all, it's important to get something out of the way: I LOVE Judge Judy. I’ve watched her TV show for YEARS. I love how feisty she is and how she takes no crap from anybody, and 9.5 times out of 10 I agree with her position. Christmas 2015 my Dad got me a copy of each of Judge Judy’s books, and I couldn’t wait to get stuck into them.
This book focuses on the American judicial system, and serves as Judy’s rant against lazy people, those who refuse to acknowledge their responsibilities, and areas where “the system” lets good people down. Generally, I find her views to be common sense, so they weren’t earth-shattering, BUT she speaks from experience (including providing anecdotes), and has a fantastic way with words, cutting through all the BS.
I was hoping for a personal-development-book-with-bite when I got my hands on this, perhaps her others are more suited to that purpose, because this is a non-academic critique of the legal system, written for the lay person. As it was released in 1997, some of the content is a little dated, but I was surprised by how many of the overarching values still hold true. I would love a more academic text by Judy, as well as up-to-date revisions of her books – 20 years is a long time for views and opinions to change and develop.
Overall, this book didn’t blow me away, but it was entertaining and enjoyable for the most part, and one that a Judge Judy fan will definitely want to have in their collection.
http://confessionsofabookgeek.com/201...
First of all, it's important to get something out of the way: I LOVE Judge Judy. I’ve watched her TV show for YEARS. I love how feisty she is and how she takes no crap from anybody, and 9.5 times out of 10 I agree with her position. Christmas 2015 my Dad got me a copy of each of Judge Judy’s books, and I couldn’t wait to get stuck into them.
This book focuses on the American judicial system, and serves as Judy’s rant against lazy people, those who refuse to acknowledge their responsibilities, and areas where “the system” lets good people down. Generally, I find her views to be common sense, so they weren’t earth-shattering, BUT she speaks from experience (including providing anecdotes), and has a fantastic way with words, cutting through all the BS.
I was hoping for a personal-development-book-with-bite when I got my hands on this, perhaps her others are more suited to that purpose, because this is a non-academic critique of the legal system, written for the lay person. As it was released in 1997, some of the content is a little dated, but I was surprised by how many of the overarching values still hold true. I would love a more academic text by Judy, as well as up-to-date revisions of her books – 20 years is a long time for views and opinions to change and develop.
Overall, this book didn’t blow me away, but it was entertaining and enjoyable for the most part, and one that a Judge Judy fan will definitely want to have in their collection.
March 6, 2015
You know the thing I like about Judge Judy is that even though she leans toward the right, and I say that knowing she prefers not to be labeled in political terms, she still understands things like compassion and level-headedness and that welfare isn't always the problem. But I do think that because of those conservative leanings it sometimes causes her to be a little myopic in some of her judicial opinions. But her assessment of the liberal left is spot on. "The liberal left is very good at getting us to feel guilty about crime and dysfunction in society, always trying to get us to accept the blame for most of societies ills, but it's the criminals who are responsible for crime not us." "In America we sometimes have a tendency to celebrate victims just not victims of crimes." She further adds, "If liberals had it their way they'd makes us feel responsible about bad weather too." A facetious statement to be sure but one that I have a hard time disagreeing with. She also says that in all matters our question should not be "who are the needy?" but rather "why are they needy?" Personal responsibility folks, it's that fucking simple.
June 22, 2009
I do adore me some Judge Judy. Really. It's unhealthy how much I love her. I never. EVER. want to have to before her. EVER. She scares me.
This book was written in '95, but really, she could've written it today. The complaints she makes about the justice system are still extremely alive and well today. While some of her 'tips' for fixing the problem drag on, they're written in a style that is truly Judge Judy, and I think that's what made reading it all the more interesting.
Her real life stories of cases she's seen were disturbing, and I winced quite a few times. The stories involving children are always hard, even the ones that she used to show that the law needs to be tougher on young offenders. I agree, but it doesn't make it any easier to read about young kids doing unspeakable acts to each other and other people.
A quick read that was worth it.
This book was written in '95, but really, she could've written it today. The complaints she makes about the justice system are still extremely alive and well today. While some of her 'tips' for fixing the problem drag on, they're written in a style that is truly Judge Judy, and I think that's what made reading it all the more interesting.
Her real life stories of cases she's seen were disturbing, and I winced quite a few times. The stories involving children are always hard, even the ones that she used to show that the law needs to be tougher on young offenders. I agree, but it doesn't make it any easier to read about young kids doing unspeakable acts to each other and other people.
A quick read that was worth it.
May 10, 2020
Judge Judy made some good points about the welfare of children and the unaddressed flaws of the justice system. Reading the text made me realize why she’s so harsh in court. Nevertheless, I rated it two stars because a lot of her rants and opinions about the impoverished, why they commit crime and how to reduce crime were uninformed, biased, outdated and awfully childish. Her ideas of crime reduction and getting out of poverty she gave were so silly and simple-minded, which was surprising coming from someone who knows the justice system is flawed and from someone who’s worked with poor people her entire career. As a criminal justice major, I was disappointed. I wouldn’t recommend this book to anyone.
August 16, 2015
I didn't expect to enjoy this book so much. I kept turning to my wife and saying, "If Judge Judy ran for president, she'd have my vote quicker than these other candidates we're seeing!" Anyway, the book is probably targeted towards your average Judge Judy television audience member -- this is not a book of academic research, it's a book of anecdotes and Judy's informed opinions.
The book describes the horrors of the broken welfare system, and the broken foster care system, and offers potential fixes. It's hard to disagree with her points. This book came out in 1996 but it still seems relevant.
The book describes the horrors of the broken welfare system, and the broken foster care system, and offers potential fixes. It's hard to disagree with her points. This book came out in 1996 but it still seems relevant.
April 3, 2009
I have a lot of respect for Judge Judy after reading this book (before, it was just "oh, that American reality show woman"?)
After two decades as the presiding judge on one of New York's Family Courts, Judge Judy is well-placed to offer a critique of the failure of the American system with regards to her field.
And what a devastating opinion it is; extremely authoritative and peppered with stories that will break your heart.
I should say that I moved a few notches rightward after reading this book.
After two decades as the presiding judge on one of New York's Family Courts, Judge Judy is well-placed to offer a critique of the failure of the American system with regards to her field.
And what a devastating opinion it is; extremely authoritative and peppered with stories that will break your heart.
I should say that I moved a few notches rightward after reading this book.
October 26, 2019
Was very disappointed with both the quality and content of this book, which is a shame because I'm usually a huge fan of Judge Judy. Unfortunately, for a book that's all about how she hates whiners, this book felt like nothing but complaining about a system in which she is/was complicit.
She also displays no empathy at all, which makes her blunt, "no nonsense" TV persona a lot more difficult to justify - a rich white lady that hates the impoverished is a hard pass from me.
She also displays no empathy at all, which makes her blunt, "no nonsense" TV persona a lot more difficult to justify - a rich white lady that hates the impoverished is a hard pass from me.
January 20, 2013
Judge Judy...she is obnoxious and sometimes won't shut up...but her book was okay. She sounds like, before she was on TV, that she wouldn't always do the popular thing. She tried to do more of the right thing, to her way of thinking. I think it's okay to make people more accountable for their action. I just hope I don't get caught!
January 29, 2013
pretty bad - i expected interesting stories of her court cases, but she just uses court cases to reiterate her points about welfare and making people pay for their own kids. she just didn't have enough material to fill a book and it shows as the book is incredibly repetitive. i'll just watch her on tv.
December 4, 2018
Highly problematic, egregiously classist, occasionally racist, surprisingly antifeminist, willfully ignorant of social justice, often self-contradictory, poorly argued, and mind-numbingly repetitive in structure and tone.
She does make a decent point about birth control on page 212...but the rest is awful.
She does make a decent point about birth control on page 212...but the rest is awful.
August 22, 2011
This book was more chilling than anything I've read recently. No wonder our society is so screwed up! Too bad we don't have more straight shooting judges Judge Judy that would stand up for what is right! Judge Judy for president!!!!!
February 4, 2016
I was so disappointed in this book. I love the outspoken, pro-responsibility attitude of Judge Judy, but found her feisty personality too muted in print. The storyline became merely repetitive and boring.
April 18, 2021
A sobering treatise that should be mandatory reading for anyone in any form of education, be it the pursuit of a governmental office, or that of a dancer. Common sense is the base we all need to found ourselves on before we attempt anything in this world, surely before we even dare to conceive that the world owes us anything. For common sense will preclude the farcical notion of such a faulted mindset before it spreads its noxious wings and perniciously poisons our entire society.
Sadly, many people have missed the boat in a conglomerate of their own irresponsible knavishness, as well as the inexcusably ridiculous programs of our byzantine bureaucracy. We fund immoral and debased individual culprits who shout to the world that it’s their right to be sustained and enriched, the left heed their call like sheeple, silencing anyone who dares to raise a hint of a rational argument, the theiving and connibing government agencies fill their pockets by touting cursory and inane placards of false morality, our founding fathers are disgraced,our judicial system rendered a jester’s display, our funds depleted, our pockets scoured clean of our hard-earned money, our criminals parading the streets, culprits frolicing along looking for their next target, searching, and not for long, for the next loophole they can easily capitalize on. Searching for the next opportunity to bring a crack baby into this world and yell at us to pay for it. Beating their foster children to death without consequence; the public receiving backlashing censure for daring to defend the anandon of morals. The virtuous rot while the guilty prosper all under the guise of noble government and ground legislature. Our government is comprise of crooks who care nothing but false values and money. Our populace is replete with criminals treated as heroes. Our sense of right and wrong is battered to nothing in litigation that is designed to triumph the guilty and stamp on the innocent. And all this is funded to an inept, illicit, and inane bureaucracy from the deepest pits of taxpayer’s pockets. Our coin is funding a stupid and crippled injustice system, and Judge Judy, the voice of reason in a vortex of utter chaos in stupidity supplies us with a warm and steady dose of wakingly cold logic and clear reason. Nothing could be better portrayed than the anecdotal lessons scattered throughout this book, by a judge with decades of experience embroiled in a harshly honest critique of our society and judicial system. Hearkening back to Fredric Bastiat, this is a sobering work that calls sharply for the end of nonsense, and the return to reason. A necessary piece of literature. Mandatory reading to anyone ready to admit they have a brain.
5 stars.
Sadly, many people have missed the boat in a conglomerate of their own irresponsible knavishness, as well as the inexcusably ridiculous programs of our byzantine bureaucracy. We fund immoral and debased individual culprits who shout to the world that it’s their right to be sustained and enriched, the left heed their call like sheeple, silencing anyone who dares to raise a hint of a rational argument, the theiving and connibing government agencies fill their pockets by touting cursory and inane placards of false morality, our founding fathers are disgraced,our judicial system rendered a jester’s display, our funds depleted, our pockets scoured clean of our hard-earned money, our criminals parading the streets, culprits frolicing along looking for their next target, searching, and not for long, for the next loophole they can easily capitalize on. Searching for the next opportunity to bring a crack baby into this world and yell at us to pay for it. Beating their foster children to death without consequence; the public receiving backlashing censure for daring to defend the anandon of morals. The virtuous rot while the guilty prosper all under the guise of noble government and ground legislature. Our government is comprise of crooks who care nothing but false values and money. Our populace is replete with criminals treated as heroes. Our sense of right and wrong is battered to nothing in litigation that is designed to triumph the guilty and stamp on the innocent. And all this is funded to an inept, illicit, and inane bureaucracy from the deepest pits of taxpayer’s pockets. Our coin is funding a stupid and crippled injustice system, and Judge Judy, the voice of reason in a vortex of utter chaos in stupidity supplies us with a warm and steady dose of wakingly cold logic and clear reason. Nothing could be better portrayed than the anecdotal lessons scattered throughout this book, by a judge with decades of experience embroiled in a harshly honest critique of our society and judicial system. Hearkening back to Fredric Bastiat, this is a sobering work that calls sharply for the end of nonsense, and the return to reason. A necessary piece of literature. Mandatory reading to anyone ready to admit they have a brain.
5 stars.
August 9, 2022
I picked up Don’t Pee On My Leg and Tell Me It’s Raining a couple of years ago after coming across it in a bookstore and reading an excerpt where she discusses a young public-defense lawyer in her courtroom who is bemoaning the fact that she must commute into Manhattan from Queens every day and endure certain unpleasant aspects of that commute. This young lawyer would prefer to live in Manhattan, but simply cannot afford it at the time. A short while later, that lawyer is in court before Judge Judy on behalf of a client who is trying to get her life back in order and regain custody of her children. The only impediment at the time this woman appears in court is that she hasn’t actually found a new place to live. The reason? She will only live in Manhattan and the rents are too high there. When Judge Judy questions her further on this, the young lawyer jumps to her defense stating “She has the right to live where she wants to!” Judge Judy’s response is “Not on my money she doesn’t.” She points out in the book that the lawyer did not get the irony of comparing this woman’s situation to the discussion they had in their earlier conversation.
This is one of the things I agree with Judge Judy on. The welfare state, as of the writing of Don’t Pee On My Leg and Tell Me It’s Raining in 1997, was driven by an entitlement mentality where people were perpetually on it for years, having child after child. Judge Judy cites case after case of people who are receiving public assistance coming to her courtroom and thinking they are owed something by the government or that demanding accountability on their part is somehow violating their rights.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
This is one of the things I agree with Judge Judy on. The welfare state, as of the writing of Don’t Pee On My Leg and Tell Me It’s Raining in 1997, was driven by an entitlement mentality where people were perpetually on it for years, having child after child. Judge Judy cites case after case of people who are receiving public assistance coming to her courtroom and thinking they are owed something by the government or that demanding accountability on their part is somehow violating their rights.
To read my full review, please go to: https://thoughtsfromthemountaintop.co...
December 31, 2020
The only reason I didn't give this book 5 stars is that it appears to written for a more specific audience than just the general public. While I agree 100% with the message that Mrs. Sheindlin puts out there, I do not believe that I, as a housewife, have any power to implement the changes she recommends. If I were in the legal profession or if I held a position in politics (or my husband filled such a role) I would absolutely use my position to help enact several of these changes in policy and law. While there are strides that have been to society's benefit, I also believe that there have been numerous ones made to society's detriment. We no longer take care of each other, we just assume that the government is going to step in and do something. This is the wrong way to think! Mrs. Sheindlin talks about matters such as this, and freely gives the reader ideas on how to go about fixing these problems. If your interest lies in law-making and/or policy, or if you happen to be in a position that deals with one or both, this book is a must-read. Even if you disagree with her ideas for implementation, or if you disagree that any of these issues is a problem, the book should be used as an educational and informational tool.
August 26, 2023
I admit, I bought this book based on the star power of Judge Sheindlin. Considering its age, I think the book predates her television show. The other contributing factor was the book title. I assumed the book would be a humorous story collection from Judge Sheindlin's courtroom. I was incorrect.
Don't Pee On My Leg And Tell Me It's Raining is a long title. I will shorten it to an acronym, DPOMLATMIR. DPOMLATMIR is a book about getting people to take responsibility for their actions. Stop blaming the system. It's your life. Judge Sheindlin presents the problems she sees daily at her job and offers solutions.
The first part of the book is a hard pill to swallow. Judge Sheindlin continuously encounters child rapists, deadbeat dads, delinquents, and other horrible people. Criminal Justice is not my jam, so this book is hard to read. The stories infuriate me.
DPOMLATMIR is an older book, and I don't follow the Law scene. I don't believe any improvements have occurred in the United States since then. I would say the situation is worse than before.
I didn't enjoy the book, but it isn't my favorite genre. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
Don't Pee On My Leg And Tell Me It's Raining is a long title. I will shorten it to an acronym, DPOMLATMIR. DPOMLATMIR is a book about getting people to take responsibility for their actions. Stop blaming the system. It's your life. Judge Sheindlin presents the problems she sees daily at her job and offers solutions.
The first part of the book is a hard pill to swallow. Judge Sheindlin continuously encounters child rapists, deadbeat dads, delinquents, and other horrible people. Criminal Justice is not my jam, so this book is hard to read. The stories infuriate me.
DPOMLATMIR is an older book, and I don't follow the Law scene. I don't believe any improvements have occurred in the United States since then. I would say the situation is worse than before.
I didn't enjoy the book, but it isn't my favorite genre. Thanks for reading my review, and see you next time.
November 15, 2023
I just finished reading Judge Judy's book that my kids gave me for my birthday. ( I'm a fan and watch recordings almost every day!) This book has alot if tough common sense and is certainly not politically correct or pretty in how she deluvers it! She has seen more of the underside of the dissolution of American families and morals on the bench in New York than many other peopledo. She shares her insights and solutions and opinions openly. Throwing money at problems does not make them go away ~ more often it creates bigger problems. The last paragraph in her book sums it up for me:
"The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to pursue opportunity. It does not require the government to provide that opportunity.Beyon creating an atmosphere - legal and social - that enables people to grow, no one is owed anything."
God bless Judge Judy! She has got alot of good solid insights and advice! 💜
"The Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to pursue opportunity. It does not require the government to provide that opportunity.Beyon creating an atmosphere - legal and social - that enables people to grow, no one is owed anything."
God bless Judge Judy! She has got alot of good solid insights and advice! 💜
November 2, 2021
I wish there was an option for 3.5 stars. I enjoyed it because she is no nonsense and shares anecdotes from her years on the bench in family court. I also found it timely since this was written in the 1990s and her complaints and solutions are still alive and well in 2021. I often use her title (Don't pee on my leg...) and now I know to give the credit to her father who shared it with her. We have so many excuses for bad behavior and irresponsibility, and we have difficulty hold people to account for their actions. It seems to me that to make the necessary societal changes she talks about, we need a spine of steel and a willingness to stand up to the nonsensical and speak the truth no matter how painful. Until that happens, families will continue to erode and ultimately society overall will break down. A good read that has stood the test of time.
August 14, 2021
Interesting mentions of cases from Sheindlin's career that were the highlight of the book for me. It was an invigorating read. Sheindlin puts responsibility and accountability back onto the individual. It hard to not want to do and expect better from yourself and the people and systems around you.
At times I found Sheindlin unsympathetic and even ignorant of the complexities of certain circumstances. I do not think people want to be in this circumstances, but are enabling it themselves because this is how they know to survive (and make money). But Sheindlin points out the flaw of this thinking; without proper action to accompany sympathy, it is only enabling and justifying welfare abusers and mediocrity.
And amazing book that made me question my own perception of the welfare system.
At times I found Sheindlin unsympathetic and even ignorant of the complexities of certain circumstances. I do not think people want to be in this circumstances, but are enabling it themselves because this is how they know to survive (and make money). But Sheindlin points out the flaw of this thinking; without proper action to accompany sympathy, it is only enabling and justifying welfare abusers and mediocrity.
And amazing book that made me question my own perception of the welfare system.
August 15, 2021
Judge Judy is someone people seem to either love or hate. I became familiar with her because her show was playing while I had physical therapy sessions back in the early 2000s. She makes me laugh, and I have to admit that I have learned a lot about how life and the legal system work by watching her on her show and by reading her books. I can’t picture myself volunteering to go on TV to be a litigant on a show like hers, but I appreciate the education, and I also like seeing a strong, no nonsense woman operate. This book is written in her same style, and I enjoyed reading it while I did my physical therapy exercises this summer.
November 29, 2016
Just as true now as it was in 1996. We have become a society of infantilized "victims" - with no personal responsibility. She has some good suggestions for change, but the book is mostly anecdotes of her cases to illustrate flaws in the sentencing, welfare, and foster care systems.
Her views and opinions resonate with me - but I don't see a solution - the liberals and apologists have been entrenched for far too long. (yep, that was a "political" statement).
I wouldn't call this an enjoyable read, rather one that is both thought-provoking and depressing.
Her views and opinions resonate with me - but I don't see a solution - the liberals and apologists have been entrenched for far too long. (yep, that was a "political" statement).
I wouldn't call this an enjoyable read, rather one that is both thought-provoking and depressing.
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