Wapner's show was ground-breaking at the time, bringing court proceedings to daytime television. It debuted in 1981.
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Judge Joseph Wapner, former host of the television series "The People's Court" left, is praised by attorney Harvey Levin, right, who worked with Wapner on the show.AP
Retired Judge Joseph A. Wapner of TVs The Peoples Court congratulates his son, Judge Frederick N. Wapner as he was enrobed as a Municipal Court judge on Friday, Oct. 13, 1989.AP
Retired Judge Joseph A. Wapner of TV's "The Peoples Court" congratulates his son, Judge Frederick N. Wapner as he was enrobed as a Municipal Court judge on Friday, Oct. 13, 1989.AP
Joseph Wapner, star of television show "People's Court" on Oct. 22, 1986. (AP Photo/Galbraith)AP
Judge Joseph Wapner, former host of the television series "The People's Court" left,, poses with attorney Harvey Levin, right, who worked with Wapner on the show before Wapner.AP
Judge Joseph Wapner, former host of the television series "The People's Court" left, poses with the current host of the show Judge Marilyn Milian.AP
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It would open the floodgates of television shows to feature courtrooms. That trend continues today with no fewer that four that are currently in production, some nearly 35 years later.
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Wapner was an actual judge before moving to television. His son would also become a judge, serving on the bench. Frederick N. Wapner enrobed as a Municipal Court judge in Los Angeles in 1989.
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