Judge John Hodgman

New Schemes to Violate the Social Contract

10 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers this week to clear the docket! They discuss disputes about children in bars, wearing sweatp...

Live From the London Podcast Festival

03 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

"Pleading the Fifth" and Swift Justice taped in front of a live audience at the London Podcast Festival at King's Place. We also hear from Dan Schreib...

In Flagrante Delicto

26 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Sarah brings the case against her husband, Eric. Eric likes wearing pants that are decorated to look like the American flag. But, Sarah thinks he wear...

Justice Extruded is Justice Denied

19 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Micah brings the case against his girlfriend Jenny. Micah would like to buy a 3D printer for their home. Jenny thinks their apartment is too small. Sh...

Live From Washington, DC

12 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

"Rabius Corpus" and Swift Justice taped in front of a live audience at the Howard Theatre in Washington, DC on September 21, 2016. Plus, Ray Suarez wi...

Too Many Cooks Spoil the Borth

05 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are back in chambers this week to clear the docket! Guest Kurt Braunohler joins them to discuss cases regar...

DNA NDA

29 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Xander brings the case against his twin brother, Brendan. They don’t know for certain if they are fraternal or identical twins. Xander wants to take...

In-lawful Gathering

23 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Reuben brings the case against his wife, Megan. They live in a small neighborhood near several family members. They have dinner with the extended fami...

The Emoluments Pause

15 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Tamara brings the case against her husband, Aaron. Tamara says their kids have too many toys with nowhere to store them. She wants to put a moratorium...

Oculus Miffed

09 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Matt brings the case against his girlfriend, Amber. Matt wants to convert their master bedroom into a virtual reality room. But Amber would rather kee...

Live From Philadelphia, PA 2016

01 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

"Un Chien En Deluge" and Swift Justice taped in front of a live audience at the Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia, PA on September 20, 2016 during the...

Married to the Ghost of George Washington

22 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers and clearing the docket this week. They rule on properly making the bed, whether or not a 1...

Robe Hate Court

16 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Snowflake brings the case against her husband, Oge. Oge has worn the same bathrobe for the last 25 years and Snowflake would like him to get rid of it...

When I Say Justice, You Say Served

08 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Chelsey brings the case against her partner, Kevin. Kevin refuses to join in during audience participation portions of live shows. Chelsey thinks it’...

Live From Brooklyn, NY 2016 Part 2

02 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Caution: There are unbleeped swear words that happen during the musical portions of this episode. If you are listening with kids, keep that in mind. "...

First Come, First Seat, Third Served

25 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

We are in chambers this week while Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear the docket! They settle disputes regarding second screening while ...

Witnessing the Badger

19 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Tobyas brings the case against his wife Rachel. Rachel catches and rescues animals in distress and Tobyas would like her to stop. She thinks it’s im...

The Hallowed Y'alls of Justice

11 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Alexandra brings the case against her mother, Dale. Whenever Dale travels, she likes to adopt the local accent in conversation with those around her. ...

Live From Brooklyn, NY 2016

05 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Caution: There are unbleeped swear words that happen during the musical portions of this episode. If you are listening with kids, keep that in mind. "...

Woodsy Bob Newhart

29 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear the docket with the help of Deputy Judge Nick Offerman! The Judge, Bailiff and Deputy Judg...

Conifer Emptor

21 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Michael brings the case against his husband, Matthew. For the last several years, the two of them have used an artificial Christmas tree during the ho...

First Whirlpool Problems

15 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Courtney brings the case against her husband, Josh. They want to get a hot tub for their home but cannot agree on which type to buy. Josh wants a char...

A Jury of Your Tears

07 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Donny brings the case against his roommate, Glenn. Glenn tends to cook quesadillas in their shared New York City apartment several times a week. Donny...

Live From Boston, MA 2016

01 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

"Sole Custody" and "Law and Gag Order," taped in front of a live audience in Boston, MA on September 18, 2016 during the Tour of Live Justice! Plus, S...

Are We Fair Yet?

23 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Jeff brings the case against his girlfriend, Megan. When they go on road trips, Megan thinks they need to equally split driving responsibilities, even...

A Betrayal of Crust

17 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Sam brings the case against his wife, Valerie. They gave Sam’s mother a Pie-of-the-Month subscription for her birthday last year, but were secretly ...

Grass Action Lawsuit

09 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Daniel brings the case against his fiancee, Bernadette. They cannot decide what type of yard they will have in their future home. Daniel would like a ...

Hostile Fitness

02 Nov 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Heather brings the case against her husband, Joe. Joe is too competitive with Heather’s mother when she initiates challenges with him through a fitn...

Live From Turners Falls, MA 2016

28 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

"May It Please The Shorts" and "Amphibious Corpus," taped in front of a live audience at Shea Theater in Turners Falls, MA during the 2016 Tour of Liv...

Pile of Pits

19 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are back from their tour and clearing the docket. They will rule on litterbugs, reimbursing family members ...

Live from Portland, Maine 2016

12 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

"Text of Kin" and "Triple Word Scorn," taped in front of a live audience in Portland, ME during the 2016 Tour of Live Justice! Plus, Swift Justice and...

Separation of Church and Date

05 Oct 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Chris brings his girlfriend, Sandra, to court over their disagreement about what counts as going to church. He has agreed to attend church services wi...

Improvable Cause

29 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Madeline files suit against her friend, Jason. They formed an improv group together and Madeline would love to perform a type of improv that is a litt...

Blind Justice

21 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman is in chambers this week with his Summertime Funtime Tribunal! Monte Belmonte and Joel Mann help the judge rule on gum etiquette, c...

Feast and Desist

14 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Kandace brings the case against her fiance, Weston. For the last few years, the two of them have hosted their friends for an annual Thanksgiving-them...

Mommy Nearest

08 Sep 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Julie is filing suit against her mother, Amy. Amy has begun attending the same gym and workout class as Julie. Julie, however, wishes for her exercise...

Hallmark of Justice

31 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judy files suit against her husband, Jayson, because he has stopped giving her Mother's Day cards. Jayson argues that she’s not his mother, so he sh...

Motion to Strike a Pose

24 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Justin files suit against his fiancee, Sarah. They are recently engaged and Sarah would like to take professionally shot engagement photos. Justin thi...

This is the Sound of a Raffle

17 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Stephanie files suit against her friend Sewit. They are both members of a Las Vegas community service group that often uses raffles for fundraising. S...

Big Chomp

10 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear the docket on this week's episode. They rule on dish washing, unusual names, roommate parking dispute...

On Advice of Console

03 Aug 2016

Contributed by Lukas

On Judge John Hodgman this week, Tarah brings her husband, Jason, to court over their disagreement about video game consoles. Tarah would like to b...

Divan Judgment

27 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Glenys files suit against her husband, Jim. Glenys would like to buy a couch for their living room but Jim thinks couches are too uncomfortable. He th...

The Night to Remain Silent

14 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ian files suit against his girlfriend, N’Jameh, over her habit of memorizing her lines at bedtime. N'Jameh has found in her acting experience, memo...

Object the Halls With Boughs of Justice

06 Jul 2016

Contributed by Lukas

It's Christmas in July! Mark and Hal of Maximum Fun's own We Got This released an episode naming a popular Christmas movie as the definitive best Ch...

Assault and Hey Batter Battery

29 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Naomi brings the case against her husband, Spencer. She’s embarrassed by his loud and incessant heckling at baseball games. It’s fun for him and h...

Deadly Poke Bush

22 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers this week as they clear the docket! They discuss how to handle dropped silverware in resta...

Exit, Stage Fright

16 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Tom brings the case against his friend Trinity. Trinity longs to be discovered and believes she was “born for the theater.” Despite her enthusiasm...

Dad Nauseam

08 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Daniel brings the case against his dad, Kevin. He says Kevin overuses the same joke with service industry workers, which the rest of the family finds ...

Paw and Order

02 Jun 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Martha brings the case against her boyfriend, Chase. She says Chase is set on taking their cats outside on leashes, but she thinks they should stay in...

In Combat Chambers

25 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers this week, discussing listening to Hamilton before seeing the show, the famous noise from L...

Capital T and That Rhymes With P and That Stands for Justice

18 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear the docket and rule on pizza ordering, when to watch the next season of Game of Thrones, cereal dus...

Grand Theft Risotto

11 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Mike brings the case against his mom, Maribeth. He says Maribeth knowingly took her daughter-in-law's recipes for a family cookbook and passed them of...

All Laws Are Off

05 May 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman rules on overfilling ice cube trays, the best spelling of Elliot for a baby, dog park etiquette, podcast recommendations and more. ...

Livin' That CALI415 Life

29 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

SPONSORED BONUS EPISODE: Judge John Hodgman, Bailiff Jesse Thorn and Expert Witness and Automotive Enthusiast Rhea Butcher clear an all-automobile-rel...

No Acquitting for Taste

27 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Abtin brings the case against his girlfriend Kelsey over the decor in their new apartment. Abtin wants to go modern and classy. Kelsey says that would...

In Moto Parentis

20 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Leigh files suit against her son Duncan. Duncan is ready to take to the open road on a motorcycle. His parents aren't fans of the idea, and want him t...

Jesse Finds a Crux

13 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear out the docket on free refills, open mics (or is it open MIKES?), canoe weekends and what to do if your fr...

Baggage Claims

06 Apr 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Ty files suit against her partner Zach. Zach is obsessed with earning and using airline points and miles. Ty also likes to travel, but she wants to gi...

Anecdontal Evidence

31 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

With expert witness Teresa McElroy of Shmanners! Bob brings the case against his fiancee Alessandra. They have a "no boring stories" policy when they ...

Greasy Rider

23 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

With Special Expert Witness Alton Brown! Stephanie brings the case against her partner Jeff, who works as a chef. Jeff will often leave his smoky and...

Decease and Desist

16 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

We premiere a new segment this week, Status Conference, plus a dad goes on trial. Marc brings the case against his wife Polly. They had a beloved dog...

The Cradle of Pizza Civilization

09 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman fills us in on the birthplace of Italian-American pizza, garbage and breezeways, the adventures of Alex Vennenzula, and more. Judge John...

Wrecks Libris

02 Mar 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Jeanna files suit against her husband Craig. She insists that Craig mishandles books, by dogearing the pages and using them as doorstops around the ho...

Phone of Contention

25 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Must a stay-at-home dad be obliged to answer calls and texts? Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!

A Toast to Serra Angels

17 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse rule on toaster ovens, purchasing "singles" in card games and whether a couple should go for the animal trifecta - tw...

The Glass-Action Lawsuit

10 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Dan files suit against his girlfriend Jessica. Jessica has a pair of low-grade prescription glasses. She prefers not to wear them, claiming they are n...

Bros Before Globes

03 Feb 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Should a globe-trotting pal be forced to come home every once in a while? Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org...

Miami Memories

29 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse address airplane etiquette, the importance of Hamilton, swear words and more! There's no explicit content in this one,...

Live from SF Sketchfest 2016

21 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

"Beyond a Reasonable Drought" and "A Portrait of the Artist as a Weird Dad", taped in front of a live audience at SF Sketchfest 2016! Plus, Swift Just...

Commedia della Morte

13 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Jesse brings the case against his dad, Joseph. Joseph insists that his children hire a mime for his funeral (when the time comes). Jesse insists that ...

The Nog Tank

07 Jan 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman and Jesse clear the docket on shouting at drive thrus, ski trips, subway turtles and more, and also set the record straight on Sha-Na-Na...

The Long-Sleeved Arm of the Law

30 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Blair brings the case against her husband Jon. In hot weather, Jon would like to wear one of his few treasured tank tops to cool off and feel the bree...

Guilty as Charred

24 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Simone brings the case against her husband, Julian. They're currently living abroad in Portugal, on the island of Madeira. They've enjoyed adapting to...

Hockey Dockey Christmas

17 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Dramatic sneezing, toothpaste storage in the shower, ugly Christmas plates, and British vs. American PCs. Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse clear out th...

Textual Harassment

10 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

When Hector wants to get a hold of his friend Molly, he'll send her repeated texts or emails, with just the word "hi" or an emoji. Molly says his digi...

Pedantry of My Own

02 Dec 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman's coda to the "A Hot Dog is Not a Sandwich" debate, plus rulings on wedding photography, urinating in public showers, pillow borrowing, ...

Trial By Kombat

25 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Laura has refused to play Mortal Kombat with her boyfriend Austin since he began doing extensive research and practice outside of their video game ses...

A Little Dockey

18 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse clear out the docket, taking on the right way to share a suitcase, how to order at restaurants without infuriating you...

Grime and Punishment

11 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Guest Bailiff David Rees joins us to talk about whether or not a married couple should hire a housecleaner. GOING DEEP with David Rees returns for its...

Shut Your Pious Hole

06 Nov 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Libby brings the case against her husband Aaron. Aaron is a minister by occupation, and thinks he should always be upfront about his job when meeting ...

The Slight Freaks

30 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman and Guest Bailiff Elliott Kalan of the Flop House clear out the docket, ruling on how to talk to a robot, the rights and privileges of t...

Oh, Goodie

21 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear out the docket, addressing issues of late-night hot tubbing, cuddling in theaters, rug placement and ...

The Hard of Hearing

14 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Reed's dad Bruce has suffered some hearing loss - must he try hearing aids? How about an ear trumpet? Find out when Judge John Hodgman rules! Judge Jo...

It May or May Not Take a Village

07 Oct 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Switcheroo week! One Bad Mother hosts Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn are guest hosting Judge John Hodgman this week. You'll find John Hodgman over at the...

Rewind is a Sometimes Command

30 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman and Guest Bailiff Paul F. Tompkins clear out the docket! Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/jo...

Feliz Gravitas

23 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Featuring Guest Bailiff Paul F. Tompkins! Siblings Rolland and Nyssa want to reboot the family Christmas. How should they go about it?  Judge John Ho...

No-show Contendere

17 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Ted brings the case against his good friend Chris. They will make plans, but Chris will suddenly become unreachable when it comes time to meet up. Ted...

A Nothingburger Sort of Thing to Do

10 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman and Guest Bailiff Jean Grae take on the proper way to do the YMCA dance, marriage proposals, and more. Judge John Hodgman is member-supp...

Go Set a Tip Jar

02 Sep 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Two friends co-host a literary reading series as a labor of love. Should they begin to seek donations? Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at...

Justice De-furred

29 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Is fresh best? How often should pet-soiled sheets be washed? Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month at maximumfun.org/join!

Waiting for the Drop

20 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Listen in as Judge John rules on metal meat utensils, 40 year olds listening to EDM, Vlad the Impaler-based religions, and the proper order to listen ...

Eminent Toe-main

12 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

What's "public" and what's "private" space? A woman agrees to refrain from wearing a certain pair of shoes in public, but finds the terms unclear. Jud...

I Want My nth TV

05 Aug 2015

Contributed by Lukas

  Caroline brings the case against her husband Steve. They cannot agree -- how many TVs is TOO many? Caroline thinks it's best to minimize TV watchin...

Good Time Summertime Docket Clearin'

30 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman is assisted by Summertime Bailiff Monte Belmonte, taking on questions of broccoli-chomping, accidental raccoonslaughter, game night disp...

Axed and Answered

22 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Should Adrian be allowed to purchase an artisanal axe, flouting house rules about weapons? Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month ...

Troll-o Contendere

15 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

When someone posts something offensive or wrong on social media, should you call them out? Judge John Hodgman is member-supported! Join at $5 a month ...

Battle of the Podcast Stars

02 Jul 2015

Contributed by Lukas

That's my verdict, that's my ruling! Judge John Hodgman rules on dressing cats in shirts, obnoxious behavior at Mexican restaurants, and more. Judge J...

An Alchemic Clark Bar of Delight

24 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Judge Hodgman tells us what's wrong and what's right! Is ice cream actually "candy"? Should you go to your mom's 60th birthday party? Is it ok to leav...

Great Balls of Ire

18 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Aron and Molly's yard is littered with balls kicked over from the park next door. They can't agree on how best to return the balls and appease the kid...

The Santa Suit

11 Jun 2015

Contributed by Lukas

Parents listening with children, know that this case involves Santa Claus! Catch our drift? Andy brings the case against his wife Virginia. Andy wants...