I was watching* Judge Joe Brown a few days ago, and he said something that I have never heard. I've long wondered why they had these stupid shows on TV, and why anybody would go on them.
According to Judge Joe Brown, judge shows exist so normal people can take care of small problems, without having to pay high priced lawyers, and so they have an alternative to violence. I'd NEVER considered the violence angle.
Interesting!
* NOTE: Not because it's something I like to watch, but because that's what was on when I walked into the room, and I just didn't change the channel. Sometimes you just can't turn away from seeing a train wreck as it happens. Almost like watching NASCAR.