Julie brings the case against her husband Jason. Julie says Jason is a book hoarder, letting old novels and textbooks rot away in their garage. He says he's acquired a great collection of books and is working his way through the stacks. Who is right? Who is wrong? ONLY ONE MAN CAN DECIDE.

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VIEW THE DOCKET CLEARING SUBMISSIONS

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Special thanks to listener Steve Ciabattoni for suggesting a variation of this week's title!

Andrea brings the case against her friend Joe. Joe has adopted a minimalist lifestyle, and has vowed not to own more than a single car-load's worth of belongings. Andrea thinks he's shunned material possessions to an extreme degree and should acquire some creature comforts. Who is right, and who is wrong? Only one man can decide.

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Special thanks to Jon Ahjudah Barr for suggesting this title.

Dimitri brings this week's case against his boyfriend, Landon. Whenever the two of them go out to eat at their neighborhood diner, Dimitri wants Landon to sit next to him, leaving the other side of the booth empty. Landon isn't terribly enthusiastic about this, telling Dimitri that it's a little too lovey-dovey for his liking. Will Landon have to take Dimitri's side? Only Judge John Hodgman can decide.

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UPDATE ON EPISODE 85: IPSO LACTO
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Special thanks to Paul Ruh for suggesting this title.

Jason and Kenan are longtime friends who made a gentlemen's agreement when they were but teenagers. The person who could resist certain romantic entanglements for the longest time would win a sum of money for each successful (dis)engagement. Now Jason accuses Kenan of bending the rules to stay in the game. Who is right, and who is wrong? Only one man can decide.

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For Thanksgiving week, this episode is all about the ENJOYMENT of FOOD.

Angela brings the case against her good friend Justin. Justin actively avoids dairy, claiming to HATE cheese, butter, and cream. Angela is irritated by the avoidance, alleges that Justin has consumed and enjoyed dairy in the past, and thinks he should own up. Who is right in this food fight? Only one man can decide!

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Zoe brings this week's case against her mother Rochelle. Zoe and Rochelle adopted a puppy last summer, and Zoe did much of the heavy lifting when it came to caring for and training the dog. In the fall, however, school started up, and Zoe moved thousands of miles away. Now Zoe wants to have a long-distance say in how her mother cares for the dog -- Rochelle balks at the idea. Who is right? Judge John Hodgman will decide.

Guest bailiff Scott Adsit joins us in the courtroom this week! You can catch him on 30 Rock, which airs Thursday nights on NBC; if you prefer to see him live, he performs with fellow 30 Rock actor John Lutz in the improv show John and Scott at the UCB Theater in Chelsea. Scott will also be part of a larger improv show called Stolen House, which will appear Off-Broadway in January.

If that's not enough excitement for one episode, Judge Hodgman also announces the winner of the WarioWare: Smooth Moves contest issued in Judge John Hodgman Episode 79: Irre-console-able Differences! Congratulations to the lucky (and talented) winner!

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Special thanks to Gabriel Sisquieros for suggesting this title.

Our second edition of LIVE Judge John Hodgman, recorded in New York City at WNYC's Jerome L. Greene Performance Space on October 22, 2012.

This week:
A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Slob
Katharine and Amy have been friends since college. They meet up at a local cafe to write together several times a week. Amy recently showed up for a writing session wearing an outfit that Katharine found unprofessional and unbecoming of Amy's image as a “writer.” Does Amy need to improve her image to be taken seriously?

B.F.F.-R.I.P.
Chad and Angela have been friends for years. Angela insists that with her level of access to Chad and knowledge of his habits, she could kill him and get away with it. Chad says she MIGHT be able to commit homicide, but she'd never get off scot-free. Who is right?

Plus: a session of "If It Pleases the Court" with musical performances from special guests JEAN GRAE with MELA MACHINKO and DJ MR. LEN. Jean Grae's forthcoming album is Gotham Down.

MANY, MANY THANKS again to
The team at the Greene Space for their help in making our live shows possible!
Jean Grae, MeLa Machinko, and Mr. Len!
And our live litigants, for bringing their problems before strangers!

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TO OUR FRIENDS AND LISTENERS affected by hurricane Sandy: our thoughts and best wishes go out to you.

Judge Hodgman suggests that if you would like to assist with the relief effort for those affected by the storm, to consider a donation to the Red Cross.

--

A very special edition of Judge John Hodgman, recorded in front of a live audience in New York City at WNYC's Jerome L. Greene Performance Space on October 21, 2012.

This week:
Sort Reform
David brings the case against his wife Natily. The issue? LAUNDRY. When it's clean, how should it be folded and prepared to put away? David sorts it into two big piles: his and hers. Natily prefers to have her clothing sorted by article. Judge Hodgman puts them both through the wringer!

The Right Not to Bare Arms
Peter and Barbara bring their case involving parenting and medicine to the court. Barbara recently struck a bargain with their daughter at the doctor's office: if she would take her flu shot without crying, Mom and Dad would each get a flu shot, too. Peter wasn't there to weigh in on the deal and refuses to honor it. Did Barbara have the right to make this bargain, and should Peter comply?

Plus: a session of "If It Pleases the Court" with musical performances from special guest Jonathan Coulton. Check out his album Artificial Heart now, and look for his Christmas album with John Roderick this winter.

MANY, MANY THANKS again to
The team at the Greene Space for their help in making our live shows possible!
Dr. Elizabeth Gifford for medical expertise!
Jonathan Coulton for music based on domestic disputes!
And our live litigants, for bringing their problems before strangers!

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This week, daughter squares off against father in a temperature tiff! Olivia brings the case against her father Mike. Mike lives in Arizona where temperatures often soar, and he drives a car without air conditioning. Olivia believes this is a health hazard and disapproves of her father's homemade solutions to cool his vehicle, citing specific times when his efforts have embarrassed him. Mike contends plenty of people have survived without air conditioning in the past and claims he enjoys employing his improvised fixes. Who is right in this coolness quarrel? Judge John Hodgman will decide.

Guest bailiff Elizabeth Gilbert returns this week! You can find information on Elizabeth's most recently released project, At Home on the Range at www.elizabethgilbert.com. Her newest novel, The Signature of All Things, comes out next fall.

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Want to see Judge John Hodgman LIVE? The Judge will be arbitrating disputes on stage on Sunday, October 21 at 8:00 PM at the Greene Space in New York City. For more information, click here!

Evelyn brings this case against her sister Fran. Since childhood, Evelyn has been known by the moniker "Evie" -- a nickname she doesn't care for. Evelyn believes she's outgrown the name and wants her family to stop referring to her as "Evie," whether she's present or not. Fran, on the other hand, believes one cannot mandate one's own nickname and claims she and the rest of Evelyn's family are entitled to call her whatever they like. What's in a name? Judge John Hodgman will decide.

Elizabeth Gilbert, author of Eat, Pray, Love, joins Judge Hodgman this week as guest bailiff. Elizabeth released her great-grandmother's cookbook earlier this year under the title At Home on the Range, and her latest novel, The Signature of All Things will be published next fall. You can find Elizabeth online at www.elizabethgilbert.com.

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