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Part 11: Judge Mathis on Becoming Youngest Michigan Judge Ever at 35, 15 Years After Leaving Jail
Part 1: Judge Mathis on Why Diddy's Defense Didn't Call Any Witnesses to the Stand
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Judge Greg Mathis revealed the bold leap of faith he took when transitioning from a conventional judgeship to the world of television. After serving as a judge since 1995, Mathis made the daring decision in 1999 to launch the "Judge Mathis" TV show. Leaving a secure $150,000 annual salary for a television venture that had a staggering 80% failure rate was a monumental risk. Unlike the comfort of a lifelong judicial appointment, which allowed predictable work hours and judicial immunity, venturing into television was uncharted territory with financial unpredictability, especially since initial TV earnings were modest. However, Mathis’s confidence in his legal background and charismatic personality paid off, as the show successfully captivated audiences and became a staple of syndicated television. Through this transition, Judge Mathis not only redefined his career but also paved the way for legal education and entertainment on screen.
