This week, Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear the docket with the help of Deputy Judge Nick Offerman! The Judge, Bailiff and Deputy Judge rule on cocktail drinking etiquette, mail protocol and more! Plus some listener letters regarding previous episodes.

Michael brings the case against his husband, Matthew. For the last several years, the two of them have used an artificial Christmas tree during the holiday season. Matthew prefers live trees and would like to introduce one to their home but Michael is strongly against the idea. Who’s right, who’s wrong?

We need cases for JJHo at SF Sketchfest and at Very Very Fun Day in Chicago! To submit a case for either live show, visit maximumfun.org/jjho!

Thank you to Rob Calabrese for suggesting this week's title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put a call for submissions.

Courtney brings the case against her husband, Josh. They want to get a hot tub for their home but cannot agree on which type to buy. Josh wants a charming, wood fired cedar tub. Courtney wants a more practical standard fiberglass tub. Who’s right, who’s wrong?

Tickets for Judge John Hodgman at San Francisco Sketchfest can be found at bit.ly/JUDGMENTBYTHEBAY! Click here for tickets to Maximum Fun's Very Very Fun Day!

We need cases for JJHo at SF Sketchfest and at Very Very Fun Day in Chicago! To submit a case for either live show, visit MaximumFun.org/jjho!

Thank you to Anne Mandola Jones for suggesting this week's title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put a call for submissions.

Donny brings the case against his roommate, Glenn. Glenn tends to cook quesadillas in their shared New York City apartment several times a week. Donny finds that the smell of peppers and onions is too powerful to handle and wants Glenn to vary his cooking routine. With Guest Bailiff Jean Grae! 

Judge John Hodgman is coming to San Francisco Sketchfest in January and Very Very Fun Day in Chicago in February! For ticket information, visit maximumfun.org and check out the right  sidebar or visit johnhodgman.com/tour. To submit a case for either show, visit maximumfun.org/jjho!

Thank you to Paul Ruh & Tom Brinton for suggesting this week's title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put a call for submissions.

"Sole Custody" and "Law and Gag Order," taped in front of a live audience in Boston, MA on September 18, 2016 during the Tour of Live Justice! Plus, Swift Justice, Expert Witness Ken Reid of TV Guidance Counselor and songs from Juliana Hatfield!

Thank you to Stephen Coughlin and Michael Toscano for suggesting this week's titles! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put a call for submissions.

Jeff brings the case against his girlfriend, Megan. When they go on road trips, Megan thinks they need to equally split driving responsibilities, even though she doesn’t enjoy driving. Jeff is happy to drive long distances, and doesn’t think splitting is necessary. With Guest Bailiff Jean Grae!

Thank you to Ryan Byers for suggesting this week's title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/judgejohnhodgman">Judge John Hodgman</a> on Facebook. We regularly put a call for submissions.

Sam brings the case against his wife, Valerie. They gave Sam’s mother a Pie-of-the-Month subscription for her birthday last year, but were secretly baking the pies themselves. Sam’s mom still doesn’t know they are the bakers behind her beloved pies. Valerie wants to tell her the truth, but Sam thinks they should keep it a secret. Who's right? Who's wrong?

Thank you to Craig Price for suggesting this week's title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put a call for submissions.

Daniel brings the case against his fiancee, Bernadette. They cannot decide what type of yard they will have in their future home. Daniel would like a large, green lawn but Bern thinks that's too suburban and boring. She prefers a yard full of wildflowers and vegetables.

Thank you to Jennifer Small for suggesting this week's title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like <a href="https://www.facebook.com/judgejohnhodgman">Judge John Hodgman</a> on Facebook. We regularly put a call for submissions.

Heather brings the case against her husband, Joe. Joe is too competitive with Heather’s mother when she initiates challenges with him through a fitness tracking app they both use. Because of this, he has chosen to opt out of her challenges. Heather thinks these fitness challenges are a good way for them to be in touch and wants him to play along.

Thank you to Jon Barr for suggesting this week's title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put a call for submissions.

"May It Please The Shorts" and "Amphibious Corpus," taped in front of a live audience at Shea Theater in Turners Falls, MA during the 2016 Tour of Live Justice! Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn also catch up with friends of the court, Monte Belmonte and Emily Brewster! Plus, the return of Swift Justice and songs from Zara Bode of The Sweetback Sisters!

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are back from their tour and clearing the docket. They will rule on litterbugs, reimbursing family members and more. Plus, another edition of “Status Conference!” The Judge and Bailiff catch up with Becky and Nancy from Episode 166: My Legal Pony.

"Text of Kin" and "Triple Word Scorn," taped in front of a live audience in Portland, ME during the 2016 Tour of Live Justice! Plus, Swift Justice and songs from Joel Mann and David Raitt!

Thank you to Thomas Nohalty and Alison Kothe Nihlean for suggesting this week's titles!

Chris brings his girlfriend, Sandra, to court over their disagreement about what counts as going to church. He has agreed to attend church services with her a few times a year but thinks that going to weddings with specific religious elements should count. Sandra disagrees. Who's right? Who's wrong? 

Thank you to Alex Pang for suggesting this week's title! To suggest a title for a future episode, like Judge John Hodgman on Facebook. We regularly put a call for submissions.

Madeline files suit against her friend, Jason. They formed an improv group together and Madeline would love to perform a type of improv that is a little out of the box and not normally done in their hometown of Chicago. Jason insists that this form is silly and he is strongly opposed.

Judge John Hodgman is in chambers this week with his Summertime Funtime Tribunal! Monte Belmonte and Joel Mann help the judge rule on gum etiquette, condiment sharing, hot chocolate labeling and more! Plus a listener-provided explanation of Cincinnati style chili.

Kandace brings the case against her fiance, Weston. For the last few years, the two of them have hosted their friends for an annual Thanksgiving-themed dinner party. This year, Weston would like for someone else to take charge. But Kandace loves to host and doesn’t want to give up control of the event. With Summertime Funtime Bailiff Monte Belmonte! 

Thanks Kimberly Mayhall for naming this week's episode!

If you are in or near London, make sure to check out Judge John Hodgman, as well as other Maximum Fun shows Bullseye, International Waters and Beef & Dairy Network at the LONDON PODCAST FESTIVAL September 22-26!

Julie is filing suit against her mother, Amy. Amy has begun attending the same gym and workout class as Julie. Julie, however, wishes for her exercise time to remain her own, free from her mother. With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte!

Thanks to Eric Rapp for naming this week's episode!

Judy files suit against her husband, Jayson, because he has stopped giving her Mother's Day cards. Jayson argues that she’s not his mother, so he shouldn’t be held responsible. Judy believes he should be setting a good example for their kids and would like to feel appreciated. Who's right? Who's wrong?

With Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte! 

Justin files suit against his fiancee, Sarah. They are recently engaged and Sarah would like to take professionally shot engagement photos. Justin thinks engagement photos are silly and he is opposed to the idea.

With Guest Bailiffs Dave Shumka and Graham Clark of Stop Podcasting Yourself!

Do you live in Portland (Maine), Boston, Turners Falls, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Washington DC or London? Do you have a dispute you'd like to try before Judge John Hodgman LIVE? Submit your case at maximumfun.org/jjho! No case too big or too small! If the show in your city is sold out and you don't have a ticket, don't worry. We will make sure you can get in and see the show! 

Stephanie files suit against her friend Sewit. They are both members of a Las Vegas community service group that often uses raffles for fundraising. Stephanie thinks members of their group should be prohibited from entering the raffles, but Sewit has no problem with it.

With Guest Bailiffs Dave Shumka and Graham Clark of Stop Podcasting Yourself!

Do you live in Portland (Maine), Boston, Turners Falls, Brooklyn, Philadelphia or London? Do you have a dispute you'd like to try before Judge John Hodgman LIVE? Submit your case at maximumfun.org/jjho! No case too big or too small!

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear the docket on this week's episode. They rule on dish washing, unusual names, roommate parking disputes and more! 

On Judge John Hodgman this week, Tarah brings her husband, Jason, to court over their disagreement about video game consoles. Tarah would like to buy a console for their two kids, but Jason is strongly opposed. Who's right? Who's wrong? 

With Summertime Funtime Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte!

Tickets are still available for the Judge John Hodgman Live Justice tour of the East Coast and London in September! For ticket links and more info, visit MaximumFun.org and check the right side of the page, or JohnHodgman.com/Tour. 

To submit a case for either the live shows or the podcast visit MaximumFun.org/JJHo!

Glenys files suit against her husband, Jim. Glenys would like to buy a couch for their living room but Jim thinks couches are too uncomfortable. He thinks a daybed is a better solution for living room seating.

With Guest Bailiff Monte Belmonte! 

Tickets for the Judge John Hodgman Live Justice Tour are still available! Go to MaximumFun.org or JohnHodgman.com/Tour for links and information!

Ian files suit against his girlfriend, N’Jameh, over her habit of memorizing her lines at bedtime. N'Jameh has found in her acting experience, memorizing her lines as she falls asleep is the best way for her to remember. Ian, however, finds it too hard to sleep when she does this and wishes for the bedroom to be a work-free zone. Who's right? Who's wrong? 

It's Christmas in July!

Mark and Hal of Maximum Fun's own We Got This released an episode naming a popular Christmas movie as the definitive best Christmas movie. Mark regrets the choice and has tried several times to convince Hal to re-evaluate. While Mark seeks to get the decision reversed, Hal would like to prohibit Mark from bringing it up again. Who's right? Who's wrong? 

If you want to listen to the We Got This episodes referenced, they are Episode #43 "Best Christmas Movie," and Episode #52 "The One Year Anniversary Spectacular."

You can still buy tickets for the Judge John Hodgman: Live Justice tour! Check out MaximumFun.org or JohnHodgman.com/Tour for links and more information!

Naomi brings the case against her husband, Spencer. She’s embarrassed by his loud and incessant heckling at baseball games. It’s fun for him and he thinks major league players are fair game. Who's right? Who's wrong? 

Tickets for the Judge John Hodgman Live Justice Tour are selling quickly! Check out MaximumFun.org or JohnHodgman.com/Tour for ticket links and more information!

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers this week as they clear the docket! They discuss how to handle dropped silverware in restaurants, whether or not you should bring an open bottle of wine to a gathering, a contentious game of Trivial Pursuit, and more!

Tickets are selling out quickly for Judge John Hodgman's Tour of Live Justice! Get them while you can at MaximumFun.org or JohnHodgman.com/tour!

Tom brings the case against his friend Trinity. Trinity longs to be discovered and believes she was “born for the theater.” Despite her enthusiasm for theater and performing, she refuses to try out community theater. He thinks she should get over her fear and go for it. Who's right? Who's wrong?

With expert witness Andrew from Judge John Hodgman Episode 151: Sic Semper Dramatis! 

Tickets are running out for the Judge John Hodgman: Live Justice Tour! Get them while you still can. Information can be found at MaximumFun.org or JohnHodgman.com/tour.

Time is also running out to purchase a Kung Pao Finance Factory t-shirt! You have through June 22 to buy one here. Don't know what Kung Pao Finance Factory means? Listen to last week's episode to find out!

Daniel brings the case against his dad, Kevin. He says Kevin overuses the same joke with service industry workers, which the rest of the family finds embarrassing. Kevin thinks it's a funny joke that brightens people's day. Who's right, who's wrong? 

You can buy the shirt inspired by this episode FOR A LIMITED TIME here! Tickets for the Judge John Hodgman: Live Justice tour are still available. Check the sidebar on the right side of MaximumFun.org for ticket links and more information. 

Martha brings the case against her boyfriend, Chase. She says Chase is set on taking their cats outside on leashes, but she thinks they should stay indoors. Chase says the cats have expressed interest in the outdoors and would benefit from a safe and supervised adventure.

Plus the debut of our segment, "Jesse and Me Talk Good," with Merriam-Webster's Emily Brewster. Emily talks to Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse about Merriam-Webster's announcement that a hot dog IS a sandwich!

Tickets for the Judge John Hodgman: Live Justice tour of the Northeast and London are on sale now! Check out the right hand side of MaximumFun.org for details.

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn are in chambers this week, discussing listening to Hamilton before seeing the show, the famous noise from Law and Order, the sporty merits of cheer leading and more! Plus, some letters in response to Episode 258, In Moto Parentis.

Tickets are still available for Judge John Hodgman's East Coast tour! Get 'em while you still can. More info at MaximumFun.org.

Judge John Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear the docket and rule on pizza ordering, when to watch the next season of Game of Thrones, cereal dust, learning to drive as an adult and more.

Tickets are on sale now for Judge John Hodgman's East Coast tour! More information at MaximumFun.org.

Mike brings the case against his mom, Maribeth. He says Maribeth knowingly took her daughter-in-law's recipes for a family cookbook and passed them off as her own. Maribeth says that the attribution was implied and there was no wrongdoing.

Judge John Hodgman rules on overfilling ice cube trays, the best spelling of Elliot for a baby, dog park etiquette, podcast recommendations and more.

SPONSORED BONUS EPISODE: Judge John Hodgman, Bailiff Jesse Thorn and Expert Witness and Automotive Enthusiast Rhea Butcher clear an all-automobile-related docket in a bonus episode of Judge John Hodgman sponsored by Chevrolet. They'll weigh in on whether you can avoid being a jerk with a vanity plate, how to decide whose car to drive to the malt shop, new-car advice, and more.

Abtin brings the case against his girlfriend Kelsey over the decor in their new apartment. Abtin wants to go modern and classy. Kelsey says that would be boring and wants furnishings that are more quirky and unique.

Leigh files suit against her son Duncan. Duncan is ready to take to the open road on a motorcycle. His parents aren't fans of the idea, and want him to wait until he's older and can shoulder the cost and risk on his own.

Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse Thorn clear out the docket on free refills, open mics (or is it open MIKES?), canoe weekends and what to do if your friend recommends a book he hasn't actually read.

Ty files suit against her partner Zach. Zach is obsessed with earning and using airline points and miles. Ty also likes to travel, but she wants to give up the crazy schemes and choose their vacation destinations and itineraries the "normal" way. Who's right? Who's wrong?

With expert witness Teresa McElroy of Shmanners! Bob brings the case against his fiancee Alessandra. They have a "no boring stories" policy when they are at home together. Now Alessandra wants an exception for stories about the workplace. Should they change the rules? Only one man can decide.

With Special Expert Witness Alton Brown! Stephanie brings the case against her partner Jeff, who works as a chef. Jeff will often leave his smoky and bacon-y aprons and detritus in his car. Stephanie thinks that the car should remain neat and clean; Jeff says the mess is manageable, and comes with the job. Who's right? Who's wrong?

We premiere a new segment this week, Status Conference, plus a dad goes on trial. Marc brings the case against his wife Polly. They had a beloved dog who passed away several years ago. Marc would like to assemble and prepare a display of the skeleton in memory of their pet. Polly thinks this is weird and gross. Who's right? Who's wrong?

Judge Hodgman fills us in on the birthplace of Italian-American pizza, garbage and breezeways, the adventures of Alex Vennenzula, and more.

Jeanna files suit against her husband Craig. She insists that Craig mishandles books, by dogearing the pages and using them as doorstops around the house. 

Must a stay-at-home dad be obliged to answer calls and texts?

Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse rule on toaster ovens, purchasing "singles" in card games and whether a couple should go for the animal trifecta - two puppies and a kitten.

Dan files suit against his girlfriend Jessica. Jessica has a pair of low-grade prescription glasses. She prefers not to wear them, claiming they are not attractive. Dan says she's missing out on life by refusing to wear the glasses. Who's right? Who's wrong?

Should a globe-trotting pal be forced to come home every once in a while?

Judge Hodgman and Bailiff Jesse address airplane etiquette, the importance of Hamilton, swear words and more! There's no explicit content in this one, but you may not want kids listening to it all the same.

"Beyond a Reasonable Drought" and "A Portrait of the Artist as a Weird Dad", taped in front of a live audience at SF Sketchfest 2016! Plus, Swift Justice and songs from special guest Thao Nguyen of Thao and the Get Down Stay Down.

Look out for Thao's new record and tourdates at the band's site. A MAN ALIVE is out March 4th!

Please note that this week's episode includes bleeped swearing.

Jesse brings the case against his dad, Joseph. Joseph insists that his children hire a mime for his funeral (when the time comes). Jesse insists that a funeral is a time for grieving, not miming. 

Judge Hodgman and Jesse clear the docket on shouting at drive thrus, ski trips, subway turtles and more, and also set the record straight on Sha-Na-Na.