INFAMOUS television show Judge Judy celebrates 20 years on air this week.

With around 5500 episodes, under her belt, 73-year-old Judge Judith Sheindlin has adjudicated a seemingly never-ending supply of real-life small claim disputes.

3 Judge Judy is 20 this year Credit: Getty Images

The Judge tends to rule that those in the wrong must pay the other party anywhere up to $US5000 (£3771) in damages.

But how, after 20 years on air, does Judge Judy still manage to get willing participants for the show?

Going on TV might seem like a bit of a strange idea when it comes to personal matters, especially when potential participants could tend to their problems in the relative privacy of a small claims court – but Judge Judy has a trick up her sleeve.

3 The show pays all costs Credit: Getty Images

In return for appearing on the show, the producers of the show cover ALL costs in Judge Judy’s rulings.

Yup, you heard right.

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During every single one of Judge Judy’s rulings — that aggrieved party ‘A’ has to pay aggrieved party ‘B’ a sum of several hundred or thousand dollars to cover the costs of their ‘crime’, but said costs are covered by the show – and there’s even a special fund reserved specifically for this purpose.

So, not only will you not lose out financially by appearing on Judge Judy, you could even make a little bit of money — even if she rules against you.

3 73-year-old Judge Judith Sheindlin has adjudicated a seemingly never-ending supply of real-life small claim disputes Credit: Splash News

This is because both the plaintiff and the defendant receive an appearance fee which can vary from $100 to $500 (£75 and £377) depending on the time they spend filming.

In addition to this, all travel and accommodation costs are covered by the show, this being flown to LA, being put up in a hotel, and flying you home again - regardless of whether you win or lose your case.

It’s pretty much an all-expenses-paid holiday, but with one obligation of showing up for a televised ‘court’ appearance.

A pretty sweat deal, right?