Girl's missing iPod case headed for Judge Judy?

It's probably a bit late to call this one "getting out of hand," but, well, it is. After starting out with a rather frivolous lawsuit in the first place, and then moving on to greater heights when Shannon Derrik's mom turned down a free iPod nano delivered to their door, the debacle looks to be headed to the television via the Judge Judy show. The families had formerly turned down an offer to appear on the Judge Mathis show, but now it looks like the the promise of a one-day showdown and the lack of attorneys on Judge Judy was just too good to ignore, since they've both tentatively agreed to appear on the show. "I think this way it'll be more fair. It'll just be me against him," said Shannon's mom, Melanie McCarthy. "If we go on the show, at least it'll be over within one day and we can go on with our lives." Apparently the DuPage County judge that is currently trying the case was about to consider a request to dismiss the small claims case (which is going after $355, plus court costs), but we suppose that just wouldn't involve enough public humiliation to satisfy all parties involved.

[Thanks, Hank S.]

[Loneguitarist @ Sep 21st 2006 5:10PM]

Hell - I'd watch two girls scrap it out over an iPod on TV - better than Pop Idol and Big Brother and all the other crap on telly.

[Mark M @ Sep 21st 2006 5:12PM]

Oh well at least we'll be able to see the judge smack them down when it hits youtube.

[Tracy L @ Sep 21st 2006 5:17PM]

I'm really tired of Judge Judy and her holier-than-thou attitude. I'm sure she'll jump right into telling the girl an expensive toy is a waste of her money. Should we take votes on how many words the girl gets to speak before that happens? My money is on "15".

[Luigi @ Sep 21st 2006 5:19PM]

I cant wait for them to get their rear end kicked by her...xD

[shon @ Sep 21st 2006 5:21PM]

rediculous indeed, but it sounds like the show fits the redicoulous situation.. "Get on with our lives"... PLEASE, get one in the first place. Judge Judy gunna layeth the smacketh down. she shouldve just taken the nano while she could.

[mroach @ Sep 21st 2006 5:22PM]

That will work out best for everyone. Since these TV courts have no way of enforcing their make believe verdicts, the shows are the ones that make the payouts. That way the girl gets her iPod money and her friend doesn't have to pay.

"The award for each judgment is paid by the producers of the show from a fund reserved for each case. The remainder of the fund is split between the parties for a particular case."

[Luigi @ Sep 21st 2006 5:41PM]

Haha, thats funny.

They probably will get more money then because the split the rest...

What a joke.

[tristanfey @ Sep 21st 2006 5:57PM]

You are close. The "TV Court" cannot itself enforce the decision as it is (by legal definiton) a mediation entity. Both the Plaintiff and the Defendent sign a legal contract when they agree to appear on the show. If the loser of the case does not abide by the decision, then the winner can have a court enforce the legal contract as per the agreement of the contract.

The partcipants are paid for their appearance on the show. Any settlement costs are deducted from what they were to be paid. If the settlement amount is more than the appearance payment the loser is liable for the remaining amount.

[Ici @ Sep 21st 2006 5:57PM]

I love Judge Judy when she gets all shouty. She would reduce me to a whimpering wreck however.

[Scott @ Sep 21st 2006 6:13PM]

The defendant has to agree to appear on the show in order for this to go forward. If the defendant does agree, then the "public humiliation" is by choice...

[Matt Dusza @ Sep 21st 2006 6:14PM]

Living in DuPage County, and about 15 minutes from wheaton, everytime engadget gives an update on this thing i love it. Im waiting for the court date as i am SO going to go to it and watch these 2 idiots (or rather the girls parents, as theyre causing this stupid problem) duke it out with Ms. Man for a Judge

[HankScorpio @ Sep 21st 2006 8:47PM]

You missed your chance... they were in court today

[Eric @ Sep 21st 2006 7:57PM]

"If we go on the show, at least it'll be over within one day and we can go on with our lives."

It was already over when the ipod came to your door stupid ass bitch.
God I hate people.

[Chris @ Sep 21st 2006 8:02PM]

I found the girls on myspace

[nathaniel @ Sep 21st 2006 8:49PM]

This Melanie McCarthy woman sounds like she has a wonderful perspective on life, and what "really" matters. I'm sure the Nobel committee will be knocking on her door next week because she's clearly spending her "valuable" time towards the betterment of mankind. Pathetic.

[Josh @ Sep 21st 2006 8:53PM]

Engadget, please make a post if this actually does go to Judge Judy telling us when the episode will air. I really want to laugh my ass off.

[@ Sep 21st 2006 9:31PM]

How is she sueing for songs? The songs should be on their computer in iTunes. If they arent on the computer, they could just re-download them.

[Finished Law School @ Sep 22nd 2006 2:42AM]

Judge Judy is a bitch. They should have taken the free iPod - I doubt Judy will give them anything.

[DrNick664 @ Sep 24th 2006 11:02PM]

BWHA! i can't believe im excited to watch the judge judy show. I wonder if that girl has any firends...