It (The People’s Court) has been parodied on Saturday Night Live and was keenly mentioned by Dustin Hoffman as Raymond in the film, Rain Man. This is the television program that Raymond had to watch without fail. All he wanted to do was watch The People’s Court. “Three minutes to Wapner,” he often told Tom Cruise, who played his brother, "Charlie" Babbitt.

From 1961-1979, Joseph Wapner served at the L.A. Superior Court before retiring. Next, he became the judge famous for handling the TV court show, The People’s Court. It was one of the first of its kind when it debuted in 1981. Wapner was on this show for 12 seasons; he ended his run in 1993. The show nonetheless continued without him, and it became a pop culture hit. As of 2017, the show is still running on U.S. television with Judge Marilyn Milian (she is the fourth judge on the show).

Regarding personal facts about Judge Wapner, he received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on November 12, 2009, and on his 90th birthday he returned to The People’s Court to serve as guest judge.

Because of Judge Wapner and The People’s Court, it paved the way for many other court TV shows, including Divorce Court, Judge Mathis, Judge Judy and more.

More Info: en.wikiquote.org