Judge John Hodgman

A Danderous Precedent

Wed, 22 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Should allergy-prone Mike get allergy shots so his family can indulge their love of fuzzy wuzzy pets?

Veranda Rights

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:30:00 +0000

What is the appropriate porch furniture of the day? Judge John Hodgman decides.

Seating Arraignment

Wed, 08 May 2013 19:04:18 +0000

Chris brings the case against his sister-in-law, Jenna. For many years, their extended family has had kids and adults tables at holiday gatherings. Chris thinks that since the kids are all grown up, they should abandon the kids table. Jenna thinks the table should retain its sovereignty. Who's right? Who's wrong? Only one man can decide.

A Room With a Feud

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:30:00 +0000

This week, with guest bailiff TOM SCHARPLING of The Best Show on WFMU. Should this couple attempt an unorthodox living arrangement?

Dischord is Now in Session

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:30:00 +0000

Andrea and Scott bring their dispute before the Judge: must singalongs be conducted with careful attention to pitch and key? Expert witnesses Jonathan Coulton and David Rees weigh in.

Trivial Peer Suit

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Steve says he's been the acting team captain of his local trivia team, and wants to make it official! His teammate Claire begs to differ. Can the Judge resolve this trivial dispute?

To the Victor Goes the Spoiled

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 10:30:00 +0000

With Expert Witness Alton Brown! Natalie brings the case against her husband Hugo. She wants to throw food away when she decides it's spoiled or too old. Hugo hates waste, and is aghast that Natalie throws away moldy but "perfectly usable" items. Who is right? Who is wrong?

The Birthday Suit

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 09:30:00 +0000

Aldo brings the case against his partner Sean. They decided to plan trips for each other's birthdays, but make each destination a surprise. But the secrecy is making Aldo anxious, and now he wants to know where they're going! Should Sean reveal their itinerary, or must Aldo wait for his birthday surprise? This week, with Bailiff Jesse Thorn and Monte Belmonte!

Gas, Grass or Justice

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 09:30:00 +0000

Ruthie brings the case against her boyfriend Chris. Chris promised to get his driver's license years ago, but he's still in the passenger's seat.

Justice Abhors a Vacuum

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Friends quarrel over a borrowed (and broken) shop vac and its more expensive replacement.

Courtlandia

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:00:00 +0000

Is hipster a dirty word? We'll find out.

The Book Case

Wed, 06 Mar 2013 12:30:00 +0000

Is Jason a book hoarder, keeping unread books from being used and loved? Or will he work his way, steadily and surely, through the stacks?

Judge and Jewry

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Rebecca brings the case against her sister Jessica -- do their Jewish roots make them PART JEWISH?

All Dogs Go to Trial

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Coming to you live and direct from SF Sketchfest! Brianne, Zach and their dog Shilo go to trial. Plus a musical performance from John Darnielle of The Mountain Goats and live snap judgments!

Possessions in Nine-Tenths of a Car

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Andrea brings the case against her friend Joe -- she claims he's taking a minimalist lifestyle to an extreme degree. Must Joe acquire some creature comforts?

Bench Warrant

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Should a couple sit on the same side of the booth while brunching, or will Judge Hodgman mandate a great divide?

Polly Wanna Justice?

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Kim and her husband Chris co-habitate with a pet parrot. The bird adores Kim but behaves badly around her husband and son. How far should they go to accomodate the parrot?

Bleached and Mounted Bones of Contention

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Nick and Sara are a married couple who disagree on interior design -- namely, should Nick be allowed to display a collection of bones and taxidermied animals within their home?

Rhapsody in Blue

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Please note: explicit language in this episode! Eric and Elizabeth are a married couple who make their living doing performances together. They disagree on when it's necessary and appropriate to use curse words in art. Elizabeth objects to their use, and Eric thinks they can add necessary emphasis to his songwriting. Who is right, and who is wrong?

Grow v. Blade

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 10:30:00 +0000

Brad and Kyra disagree - when is the time to cut their toddler's hair?

Coming Out of the Supply Closet

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 11:30:00 +0000

Ben and Sara are co-workers, friends, and most recently, romantically entangled. They've kept their office romance a secret for months, and Ben says it's time to go public. Sara thinks it's more fun to sneak around and wants to keep their relationship a covert operation.

The Chastity Bet

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 18:37:04 +0000

Jason and Kenan made a gentlemen's agreement with several of their friends as teenagers regarding the advances of the opposite sex, but there's one thing that was never clarified. Who can help them find the solution? None other than Judge John Hodgman.

Away With the Manger

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Marisa brings the case against her husband Jay. They've blended atheist, Jewish and Catholic traditions for their household, but they've reached an impasse on holiday decorations. They both agreed to a Christmas tree, but Jay objects to a nativity scene for both religious and aesthetic reasons. Should Marisa be allowed to display a traditional nativity scene?

Probable Claus

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Judge John Hodgman decides Santa's fate in a married couple's household.

Thanks, But No Pranks

Fri, 07 Dec 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Patrick and Wyatt are housemates, and their shared house was caught up in a prank war. Neighbors from each house on their street pulled pranks on one another until one final act put Wyatt over the edge -- and he took to social media to put a stop to the practical jokes. Patrick thinks Wyatt overreacted, and wants to rev up the prank war again.

The Statute of Physical Limitations

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 18:31:38 +0000

Shumanay has a chronic illness that's limited her physical activity in the past, but she's recently been able to take up running. Now she has her heart set on an endurance race to take full advantage of her newfound abilities. Her husband Jon objects to her participation. Jon worries about the risks to her health, and thinks she should save her energy for a more worthy form of exercise. Should Shumanay run the endurance race?

Ipso Lacto

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Justin actively avoids dairy, claiming to HATE cheese, butter, and cream. His friend Angela is irritated by the avoidance, alleges that Justin has consumed and enjoyed dairy in the past, and thinks he should own up. Who is right in this food fight?

Dog Duty

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 17:39:25 +0000

Zoe brings the case against her mom, Rochelle. They brought home a new puppy last summer and Zoe took the lead in training and caring for the dog until she left for college. Now Zoe is thousands of miles away, but wants to retain her say in the puppy's day-to-day life. Her mom says Zoe needs to stop meddling from afar.

A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Slob and B.F.F.-R.I.P.: Live at WNYC's Greene Space

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:30:00 +0000

Our second live show at WNYC's Greene Space, with musical performances from Jean Grae, Mela Machinko and DJ Mr. Len. Please note: this week's episode contains some explicit language.

Sort Reform and The Right Not to Bare Arms: Live at WNYC's Greene Space

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 17:04:09 +0000

This week: a very special live edition of Judge John Hodgman from WNYC's Jerome L. Greene Performance Space. Featuring musical sets from Jonathan Coulton!

Live Freon or Die

Wed, 24 Oct 2012 18:19:39 +0000

This week, daughter squares off against father in a temperature tiff! Olivia brings the case against her father Mike. Mike lives in Arizona where temperatures often soar, and he drives a car without air conditioning. Olivia believes this is a health hazard and disapproves of her father's homemade solutions to cool his vehicle, citing specific times when his efforts have embarrassed him. Mike contends plenty of people have survived without air conditioning in the past and claims he enjoys employing his improvised fixes. Who is right in this coolness quarrel? Judge John Hodgman will decide.

The Obligatory Name Drop

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Family-issued nicknames and a clash between two sisters! Evelyn hates the nickname that followed her into adulthood and demands that the family stop using it, but Frances loves her sister Evie (and the ability to use the name as she sees fit!). Who is right?

Irre-console-able Differences

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Jessica gave away most of her possessions when she left for the Peace Corps -- including a video game system that went to her sister Eden. The system broke under Eden's care and she says she's not obligated to return a working system to Jessica. Is restitution due?

The Mother Tongue

Wed, 03 Oct 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Matthew and Y want to raise their children to be bilingual in English and in Y's native language, Vietnamese. Matthew's Vietnamese is pretty rusty, so he thinks Y should teach him and their children at the same time. Y thinks that Matthew needs to study on his own until he can keep up. Who is right?

Passing the Bar

Wed, 26 Sep 2012 17:03:54 +0000

Erin brings the case against her co-worker Abby, whom she accuses of ducking out of pre-planned happy hour events.

Snooze Control

Wed, 19 Sep 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Ben brings the case against his wife Jenna, who insists on wringing every last bit of sleep she can before arising for work. Ben's partial to a gentle wakeup and says his wife's approach stresses him out. Who is right?

Cigarettiquette

Wed, 12 Sep 2012 11:30:00 +0000

YOUR ATTENTION, PLEASE: This episode contains some talk that may not be appropriate for children, including discussion of smoking and drug use. Robert brings the case against his friend Bradley, who's given up tobacco cigarettes for e-cigarettes. The electronic cigarettes are technically allowed where "real" smoking isn't -- so where is it "appropriate" to smoke them?

The Split Screen Decision

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 05:47:54 +0000

Raj brings the case against his girlfriend Surita, claiming her high-falutin' taste in movies is getting in the way of their shared enjoyment in entertainment.

Gavelbangers Ball

Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:30:00 +0000

THIS WEEK: with guest bailiff Monte Bailiff Belmonte and a SECRET expert witness. Caroline brings this case against her boyfriend Will, who's been trying to sell her on his favorite metal bands to no avail.

The Nominative Case

Wed, 22 Aug 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Jordan and his friend Charles bring an unresolved bet, instigated by a discussion of the DC comics villain Mr. Myxlptlk. Could Jordan's friends trick him into say his own name backwards? namdgoH nhoJ egduJ rules!

Probable Cos-Play

Wed, 15 Aug 2012 17:51:38 +0000

Donald, Jessie and their son are planning a trip to a Star Wars convention for their family vacation. Donald thinks Jessie should him and their son Josh in costume; Jessie thinks she's doing enough simply by attending. Who is right? This week: guest bailiffed by Monte Belmonte!

The Golden State Debate

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Harry says his best friend Dan is spinning his wheels back in their hometown, and should come join him in Los Angeles. Should Dan venture to LA or stay put? Only one man can decide.

Night Food Court

Wed, 01 Aug 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Trips for late night fast food and fraternal bonding cause a rift in a relationship -- and only one man can help repair it.

The Cluck Stops Here

Wed, 25 Jul 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Lauren foresees a Green-Acres type situation for her new suburban backyard, but her husband's vision differs.

Call in the Family

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Katy brings this case against her older brother Steve, who refuses to leave voicemails.

Antisocial Networking

Wed, 04 Jul 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Lauren brings this case against her friend work-spouse Mike. When is it rude to use your phone in the company of a friend? How much texting is too much? Only one man can decide!

Crumber vs. Crammer

Wed, 27 Jun 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Scott and Jennifer are a married couple who both admit they're kind of messy -- but who's the real slob here?

A Quashed Plot Never Spoils

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 11:00:00 +0000

BE WARNED: If you're sensitive to spoilers, be ready to turn down the volume! Andrew and Adam are roommates and avid media consumers. Andrew badgered Adam to start watching one of his own favorite shows, and Adam eventually gave in. However, Adam says an off-hand comment from Andrew -- spoiler alert! -- ruined one of the character's story arcs for his friend. Should Andrew be held responsible for ruining his friend's viewing experience?

Nature Versus Nerd-ture

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 14:57:00 +0000

Alex and Kristina are a couple of admittedly nerdy people, and they disagree about where to send their future children for summer camp -- to nerd camp to indulge in whatever geeky pursuits they desire, or to a typical summer camp to play Capture the Flag.

My Dinner with Ennui

Wed, 06 Jun 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Holly and Todd are writing partners who meet at the same restaurants every week. Holly feels their habitual meals are stifling her creativity; Todd thinks it frees up his mind to focus on other things. Who is right?

Sibling Drivalry

Thu, 31 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Luis insists his big sister Alejandra monopolizes the use of their shared vehicle. Alejandra says Luis refuses rides and then pouts. Who is right?

Chevy Case

Wed, 23 May 2012 16:12:45 +0000

Patrick and his his girlfriend Hannah moved to Portland, Oregon last year and used Patrick's trusty Camaro to get there. Hannah has since bought Patrick's car from him to use on her commute to work, and sees it as a strictly utilitarian possession – car washing is unnecessary. Patrick is rankled by her lack of care for the Camaro's appearance and thinks she should show some pride of ownership. Who is right?

Spare the Hodg, Spoil the Child

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Gail believes she and her nephew Ray are similarly sensitive kindred spirits. As a loving aunt, she thinks she should be able to comfort Ray when he's upset, even over rule-breaking, and help him handle his feelings. Her sister Aimee believes Gail is unnecessarily coddling Ray and encouraging him to become an overly emotional child. Who is right? Only Judge John Hodgman can decide!

Rashomom

Wed, 02 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Rebekah, her mother Denise and grandmother Gloria have a case regarding memory -- specifically, is the memory of a child or an adult more reliable? Denise insists that a grey house stood next door to her childhood home; Gloria says that's simply not true, and that the house must be a figment of Denise's imagination. Rebekah's been dragged in to adjudicate their dispute before, but she's got issues of her own with her mom's recollections of past events. Who is right, who is wrong, who can even remember? We turn to the man who never forgets, Judge John Hodgman, to decide.

Judge John Hodgman 57: A Wing and A Player

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Michael and Patrick have been best friends since high school. Michael likes to think of himself as Patrick's wingman, helping alert him to interested ladies when they're out together. Patrick thinks his friend lacks the subtlety to be a wingman and also misjudges politeness for romantic interest. Is Michael helping his friend find love and happiness, or is he steering him in the wrong direction? Only the Judge can decide.

Early Man

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Troy believes in never being late for an appointment, party, or movie -- but in striving to avoid tardiness, he's swung the other direction and arrives extra-early. His insistence on being early is driving his wife Carmen crazy. Should they stick to their early bird ways, or should Troy live a little less by the clock?

Battle Royale

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Leeman and his wife Rachel are American citizens who have immigrated to Toronto for school and work. They've become permanent Canadian residents, but Rachel wants to go whole hog and become citizens. Leeman finds the idea of swearing loyalty to the monarchy ideologically troubling. Should they form a united front and become citizens together?

Die Flederhaus

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Two brothers, one dilapidated house, and a colony of bats - what could be more scary about this case? Noah and Adam have a bat problem, and they can't agree on how to handle it. Should they run screaming, or man up when a bat comes their way? Only one man can decide!

Cannery Row

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

THIS WEEK: Special Expert Witness Alton Brown! Ara and her mom Julia enjoy some mother-daughter bonding time while canning, but Ara insists on following USDA safety manuals, books, and other advice to make sure their canned goods are 100% safe. Julia says Ara's meticulous methods are driving her nuts, and they should rely on her own tried-and-true methods. WHO IS RIGHT?

The Stick Shift Rift

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Is not knowing how to drive a manual transmission in this day and age A CRIME? That's the question for Cosmo and Jen, a married couple who own a manual and an automatic car, respectively.

The Wedding Clashers

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

John and Lindsay are a married couple with two weddings to attend on the same day -- John's childhood best friend's and Lindsay's cousin's. Which argument will win? Family obligations, long-seated freindship, the better party? Only Judge Hodgman can decide.

Double Dog Dare

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Marybeth and Paul are a couple of busy animal loving attorneys who already own a dog and a cat. Marybeth would like to add another dog to their family to help their current toy schnauzer, Olive, relax. Paul argues that with their busy schedule, and the already antsy Olive, another dog would only exacerbate the situation. Can Judge Hodgman resolve the pair’s puppy problem?

The Master's Disaster

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Jessie and Jason are a happily married couple with a scheduling conflict. Jason is in an intensive master's program and works a full-time job, which leaves him with little to no time for household chores or time for his wife. Jason prefers to schedule his classes in sixteen-week blocks, leaving a "summer vacation" of sorts. His wife prefers that he space out his classes so that she has someone to compliment her changing hairstyles or fix a doorknob. Can Judge Hodgman find a suitable arrangement?

The Wonderful, Terrible, Terrible Towel Trouble

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Katie and Bobby are dating and are both fans of Pittsburgh Steelers football. Katie says she was born into the Steelers Nation, while Bobby came to fandom while dating Katie. Their issue is the treatment of the team's signature "Terrible Towel". Katie says it should be treated with the utmost respect as an emblem of the team; Bobby says once it's purchased, you can do with it what you please, whether that's wiping chairs or your feet. Who is right, and who is wrong? Only one man can decide.

The Carry On Carryings On

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 05:46:39 +0000

Blair and her sister Lisa are frequent flyers. Blair never checks her bags due to the inconvenience of it, opting instead to carry them on. Since she’s only 5’1”, she often relies on the generosity of fellow passengers to help maneuver her bags into the overhead compartment. Her sister Lisa feels that Blair and people like her abuse the convenience of a carry-on -- in short, if you’re unable to completely manage your belongings on the plane, you should have to check them. Who is right?

The Clap Trap

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 18:00:00 +0000

Greg and Eric are longtime friends and sometime-bandmates. They disagree on one area of performance; should members of the band ever ask the audience to clap along to their music?

Apocalypse Row

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:25:00 +0000

Carrie and her husband Phillip are planning for the future. A collapse of civilazation under the coming apocalypse to be exact. Carrie and "Sarge" are at odds about where to best survive the end of days and bring the case to Judge John Hodgman.

The Bedding Crasher

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 18:15:53 +0000

When is it appropriate to ask to crash at a friend's place? Should the practice be curtailed when one reaches a certain age or level of financial security? Chris and Emily bring this case against their friend Pat.

Triple Word Scorn

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 17:31:00 +0000

Jesse and Jessica are used to squaring off against one another when they play games like Scrabble & Hangman on their smartphones. In this episode of Judge John Hodgman their rivalry spills into the courtroom as they litigate their literary license. Please use JUSTICE in a sentence!

Driving Miss Drowsy

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 20:14:08 +0000

Austin brings the case against his good friend Ethan. A year ago, they drove cross-country from Santa Cruz, California to Brooklyn, New York. Austin says that during the trip, he experienced "car lag," a variant form of jetlag. Ethan says the very idea is absurd. The argument has driven a wedge into their friendship.

Out of REC-order

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 08:30:00 +0000

Strife between two friends -- over DVR recordings. If Anthony requests that Joseph record television programs for him on his personal DVR, is he obligated to come over and watch them?

The Abuse of Flower Power

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:33:00 +0000

Not in MY backyard! Julienne and Emily are neighbors and romantically involved. Julienne has created a garden space but wants to add a particular flower that Emily detests. Emily has threatened to never cross the picket fence again if they are brought in. Who'll win the war of the roses?

Slash-Friction

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:30:00 +0000

What IS a horror movie? Bryan's list of 100 horror movies is all about content. His friend Jay says it's all about the audience's reaction. Who is the master of the macabre? Only one justice of the deceased can decide!

Pepperoni Pauper

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 19:59:00 +0000

A young couple battle embarrassing behavior and bags of trash in search of unpeeled prize tickets for a shot at redemption. And a free slice of pizza. Or a free Coke.

Panta-Lunacy

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 13:00:00 +0000

Seth and Stephen are colleagues in a Broadway show. They bring a case of Lost and Found, Finders and Keepers, and Losers and Weepers.

Beard Science

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 07:00:00 +0000

Guest bailiffed by ABC News Senior White House Correspondent Jake Tapper! Friends Mike, Mike and Dan seek a ruling on a modified but highly charged game of beard chicken.

Unbanded Brothers

Thu, 22 Sep 2011 17:00:00 +0000

Brothers and bandmates Jack and Jeff bring this argument over tourdates, a wedding and being the boss of the band.

De Plane

Wed, 31 Aug 2011 19:13:00 +0000

Elisabeth and Melissa are good friends and enthusiastic travelers, who often journey together on planes and in cars across the country. While their traveling styles mesh for the most part, they are divided on a hot-button issue: the correct way to de-plane once you've arrived at your destination. Elisabeth, who prefers to take the aisle seat, believes that the aisle-sitter bears some burden of judgment, and may choose to wait a reasonable amount of time before stepping into the aisle, without asking permission of his or her seatmates. Melissa, on the other hand, is frequently a window-seater, and believes that people should abide by the "row by row" rule as a general rule.

WHO IS RIGHT, and WHO IS WRONG? Only Judge Hodgman can decide.

Hors d'oeuvres in the Court

Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:37:00 +0000

Mike's three children were enticed to try a foreign food -- bacon-wrapped scallops -- by an offer from their father of $5. However, Mike now claims that since the boys enjoyed the food, he no longer owes them compensation. Mike's wife Ellen represents the boys in court.

The Cow Beef

Wed, 20 Jul 2011 18:31:00 +0000

Ted brings this case against his father Paul, who has become obsessed with cows. Ted argues that his father's cow collection and his inclination to randomly say the word cow, among other issues, indicate the need to tamp down the cow-talk. Paul argues that his obsession is merited, because "cows are our most important animal friends."

Garbage Man and Wife

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 17:35:00 +0000

Matt Haughey of Metafilter and his wife Kay split household chores right down the middle, except when it comes to garbage duty. Does the person taking out the trash have "garbage hands" that are only suitable to replace the trash bag and deal with all matters dirty? Judge John Hodgman decides!

Ob-Law-Di, Ob-Law-Da

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:03:00 +0000

Pat and Joe come before the court with a case about that famous rock band, The Beatles. Pat claims that The White Album is one of The Beatles' worst albums and has a scattered approach. Joe argues that the album benefits from its variance and is one of their best works.

Justice is Out There

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 00:33:00 +0000

Randi and Chris were gifted Mulder and Scully action figures for Christmas, but differ on their purpose. Should they be kept in their original packaging, to retain value (and for laughs)? Or should they be freed, to re-enact X-Files episodes and general playtime?

The Battle of the Baton

Fri, 10 Jun 2011 00:15:00 +0000

When Jake listens to his favorite classical music, he finds himself conducting furiously and with abandon. His wife Erica, an accomplished concert musician, says his flamboyant conducting makes a mockery of her life's work. Must Jake cease his carefree conducting style?

The Friendship Inquest

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 05:30:00 +0000

Friends Adam and Will have a dispute about social networking. Is it Adam's responsibility as a young adult to get with the program and join the online social networking world, or is Will pushing his own life choices on his friend?

The Toot Dispute

Wed, 25 May 2011 15:30:00 +0000

Jason's mom argues that whenever he passes gas, he should proffer an "excuse me" to whomever is present (according to general social etiquette). Jason says he's an adult and as such, is allowed to do as he pleases. Should Jason's mom butt out, or should be held to her standards?

The Girlfriend and the Grasshopper

Wed, 18 May 2011 21:00:00 +0000

Jeff says his live-in girlfriend Courtney habitually hides food from him. Courtney admits that she's hidden food in the past, but only to save Jeff from his own ravenous tendencies, and that she has stopped the practice. Is Courtney a food-hoarder, or is Jeff a food-stealer?

The Bedroom Three-way

Wed, 11 May 2011 17:09:00 +0000

College pals Corey, Tyler and Caitlyn are moving into a new apartment in the coming school year with three bedrooms: two small, one gloriously spacious. Who deserves the biggest room?

Arby's-tration

Wed, 04 May 2011 17:37:00 +0000

Is it appropriate to ask a cab driver to take you through a drive-thru after a long night of drinking? Take a ride in the Justice Cab to find out.

Tips, Tricks and Justice

Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:46:00 +0000

In this episode, we are joined by SPECIAL GUEST and EXPERT WITNESS Morgan Webb. John argues that using a strategy guide when playing a video game is cheating, pure and simple. His friend Josef argues that while it provides an advantage, it's not out of line to use a guide and constitutes no cheating.

You Say Tomato, I Say Justice

Thu, 21 Apr 2011 05:00:00 +0000

We have a pronunciation problem. Matt brings the case against his friend Josh, who he argues pronounces a number of words incorrectly. Affectations, shibboleths, and regionalisms: we've got it all.

An Appeel-ate Case Decision

Thu, 14 Apr 2011 18:45:00 +0000

Friends (and Canadian barristers) Nick and Phil bring their fruit-based case before the Judge: which gentleman's technique for peeling a banana is correct?

The Ironman Trial-Athlon

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 17:48:27 +0000

Should an endurance event enthusiast (and former couch potato) be allowed to participate in an Ironman Triathlon against the wishes of his wife?

The Colbert Rapport

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 00:33:46 +0000

When is it appropriate to request a photo with a celebrity seen in the wild? Andrew and Britt bring this case of a Hollywood party, Stephen Colbert, and potential Facebook popularity before the judge.

Parents Just Don't Understand

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 23:12:29 +0000

Should a father be able to compell his teenage daughter to watch classic films? Or does a 16-year-old deserve autonomy in her entertainment choices?

The Potluck Problem

Wed, 09 Mar 2011 02:11:00 +0000

Two best friends disagree on the morality of the potluck. One says it's a great opportunity for everyone to pitch in. One says it's a sign of a host who's abdicated responsibility for the party. Only one man can decide who's right.

Sesame Street Justice

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 19:16:51 +0000

A group of high school kids kidnapped their youth group leader's life-size Ernie doll as a prank, but he was stolen from them before his safe return. Can they be held responsible for Ernie's disappearance if they intended to return him?

Snob V. Slob

Thu, 24 Feb 2011 02:08:05 +0000

A fiancee demands that her sweetheart shape up and dress for a promotion, plus other clothing-related disputes.

The Tahitian Take-Out

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 22:56:14 +0000

A friends' night out at a Polynesian restaurant, several Scorpion bowls and an abandoned bag of takeout are involved in this accusation of impropriety and substandard hygiene.

You Say Martucci, I Say Martucci

Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:35:02 +0000

Sisters Carol and Michelle have a disagreement over the pronunciation of their last name, Martucci. Carol believes in the traditional Italian "Mar-too-CHEE" and Michelle thinks it honors their grandfather to pronounce the name in his preferred fashion, "Mar-too-SEE".

The Case of the Youthful Indiscretions

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 17:25:00 +0000

Brothers Evan and Michael battle it out: as a toddler, Michael stole Evans things, and gave them away at pre-school. Does Evan deserve an apology?

The Cone-tractual Dispute

Fri, 21 Jan 2011 20:41:46 +0000

The manufacture of a food truck awning leads to a Portland-infused nightmare.

The Parenthetical Petition

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 21:17:30 +0000

Recorded live on stage at The Talent Show in Brooklyn: a man believes parentheses have no place in fiction. His girlfriend disagrees.

To Tree Or Not To Tree

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 21:09:00 +0000

A married couple disagrees: when should the Christmas decorations go up? That is the question. Skakespeare.

The Lion's Den

Tue, 14 Dec 2010 19:00:07 +0000

A married couple disagrees: what is a den?

The Lovely Couple

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 23:49:00 +0000

A married couple disagrees: is physical attractiveness a component of romantic love?

The Long-Necked Custody Battle

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 02:18:51 +0000

Best friends bought a robotic giraffe together in Japan. Now, with college (and their cohabitation) over, each wants the other to have it.

Judge Hodgman: Tear Down That Wall

Tue, 23 Nov 2010 22:37:00 +0000

Foy argues that breaking the fourth wall ruins film and theater. His friend Matt disagrees. Only Judge John Hodgman can decide.

Are Machine Guns Robots?

Mon, 15 Nov 2010 19:54:54 +0000

Two friends dispute whether machine guns are robots.

Dish Soap or Hand Soap?

Mon, 08 Nov 2010 18:40:25 +0000

Judge Hodgman settles a marital dispute: should the kitchen sink dispense dish soap or hand soap?