Judge Judy

A water heater and copper piping are stolen from a woman's home, depriving her of essential heating and leaving her without a place to live. She subsequently files a lawsuit against the man who will become her ex‑landlord, alleging emotional distress. The case centres on the impact of the theft on her wellbeing.

Series 21 delivers a self‑contained episode that sits within the broader programme. Classified simply as an episode, it follows the series’ usual format, presenting a concise narrative that can be enjoyed on its own while still fitting the overall structure of the show. The story centres on a burglary in which a water heater and copper piping are stolen from a woman’s home. The loss of these essential fittings renders the property uninhabitable, leaving her without a place to live. Without heating or hot water, the home becomes uninhabitable, forcing her to seek temporary accommodation. In reaction, she decides to pursue legal action against the man she is about to marry, who previously acted as her landlord. She files a claim alleging emotional distress caused by the theft and the resulting homelessness. Her claim focuses on the emotional impact rather than the material loss. The episode highlights the tension between personal relationships and legal responsibility, showing how a seemingly straightforward burglary can evolve into a courtroom battle. It underscores the strain placed on the woman’s wellbeing as she navigates both loss of shelter and the stress of suing someone close to her, illustrating how personal grievances can become legal disputes.