When 'Judge Judy' first aired in 1996, Bill Clinton was still president and no one knew who Monica Lewinsky was. Judy Sheindlin's show has lasted a full decade longer than 'Lost,' seven more years than 'Seinfeld' and the original 'The Twilight Zone,' and five more than 'Married With Children.' Wednesday on 'Today' (weekdays, 7AM on NBC) Judge Judy spoke with Matt Lauer about her approach to TV justice.

"I can make a little story in that nine or ten minutes that people can follow," Sheindlin said of the show. "They understand right, they understand wrong, they understand good guy, they understand bad guy." Some people, though, do not understand how to dress for court, which is what makes Sheindlin angrier than anything.

Judge Judy Sheindlin weighed in on troubled actress Lindsay Lohan on 'Live With Regis and Kelly' (weekdays, syndicated), arguing that Lohan needs a "dose of reality" and possibly an extended stay in jail to help beat her addiction.

I've been watching Judge Judy again. I used to watch it years ago, but then I went through a long period (years) when I thought she was too mean, too full of herself, too impatient with the litigants. Sometimes it seems that she's already sick of them before she even sits down.

But I started watching it again a few months ago and I love it again. I agree with her attitude now. Most of the people who go in front of her (both plaintiffs and defendants) usually get themselves into situations they shouldn't be in and they have no sense. And you wonder why they even want to be on TV in the first place, airing their dirty laundry.

But if you do find yourself on the show, here are five tips to make it a better experience.

1. Speak up. If you mumble she'll think you're dumb and/or hiding something. And she's probably right.