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CBS Miami's Irika Sargent Goes One-On-One With Judge Judy

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – From the bench, Judge Judy Sheindlin rules like no other.

Her quick, stern and very vocal brand of justice got her noticed in New York, where she presided as a family court judge.  Now, for 19 seasons, she's holding her own in Hollywood on the top rated daytime show Judge Judy.

"I do represent a woman in control of her space," said Sheindlin.

A TV Guide survey names her the highest paid star on television, reportedly making $47 million a year.  Many would say that makes her one of the most powerful, but Judge Judy disagrees.

CLICK HERE to watch Irika Sargent's report

"I actually don't view myself that way," she said.

In Los Angeles, in between her cases, Judge Judy gave CBS4 anchor Irika Sargent insight into her success.  She said she plays to her strengths.

"What it all boils down to is common sense.  I was lucky enough to be dusted with that feather. I can't spell or add but I had that dusting," said Judge Judy.

"Make yourself an interesting person," she added.  "That's my message.  I don't necessarily think I'm powerful, but the message is powerful."

Sheindlin just released a new book titled "What Would Judge Judy Say? Be the Hero of Your Own Story."  The book is free, and Judge Judy asks readers to instead make a donation to Stand Up to Cancer if they enjoy the book.

Television viewers also want more of her show.  So Judge Judy said for now, she has no plans to stop handing out her verdicts.  So Sargent asked Sheindlin's opinion on trending legal issues.

The first topic: Paralympian Oscar Pistorius was found not guilty of murdering his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.  But he was sentenced to five years for culpable homicide.  Prosecutors are appealing.

"I would have ruled differently on both the judgment and the sentence," said Sheindlin.  "That's my answer."

The second topic: Celebrities are falling victim to cyber hackers who expose their nude photos.

"The boyfriend who you are in love with today and are taking those sexy pictures with isn't going to be around in ten years but the pictures will always be there so use your brains.  Don't take a picture that you don't want your grandmother to see.  Have you gotten the Judge Judy lecture? That's the Judge Judy lecture." she said.

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