Okay.. I'm watching Judge Judy for a couple of days now... I'm from Europe so can someone please explain me a couple of things...

I get that it are real cases, by real people (the audience are actors). I think, but not quite sure that they are reinacted.

As i understand, judge Judy was a real judge, but she's not anymore, then what is she?

Now...

Why do people expose theirselves and their private problems to an audience of millions?
Are the sentences she gives real? Do those people have to pay to eachother? (I guess when it's reinacted the answer is no)
Why are there never any lawyers? (even if it's reinacted they could have people play the lawyers?)
Why are there so many cases for like $250?

Thank you for some answers! (i actually have a lot more but lets start with this ;-) )