"TV's Judge Alex Goes to the Supreme Court"

RENEE MONTAGNE, Host:

And today at the U.S. Supreme Court, there will be one more judge.

(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "JUDGE ALEX")

U: Judge Alex.

MONTAGNE: NPR legal affairs correspondent Nina Totenberg explains.

NINA TOTENBERG: Judge Alex will not be in costume today, no robe. He's not appearing as a judge, but as a litigant. In case you've never heard of Judge Alex, here's how they introduce him on TV.

(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "JUDGE ALEX")

U: As a trial lawyer he fought for the truth, and as a criminal court judge he commanded authority. Now he returns to preside over America's courtroom - Judge Alex.

TOTENBERG: And here's what his show sounds like.

(SOUNDBITE OF TV SHOW, "JUDGE ALEX")

U: He says that when he split up with his ex, she split with his ride.

MONTAGNE: Were any punches being thrown or anything?

U: Yes.

U: A whole lot.

U: A whole lot.

TOTENBERG: Truth be told, the legal facts and questions in this case are horrifically boring. Judge Alex Ferrer and his one-time agent are in a money dispute, and the question is whether state or federal law applies.

MONTAGNE: We're done.

U: All rise.

TOTENBERG: Nina Totenberg, NPR News, Washington.