Judge Karen is an American arbitration-based reality court show that aired in first-run syndication and ran for one season, during the 2008–09 television period. The series debuted on September 8, 2008, in 48 of the top 50 U.S. markets.^[1]

As with other court shows, such as The People's Court and Judge Judy, a former judge presides over small claims court cases as an arbitrator. On this show, the arbitration judge is Karen Mills-Francis, an African-American woman twice elected Miami-Dade County Court judge, who proclaims that "Justice isn't always black and white". A trademark of the series, Mills-Francis did not don the traditional black judicial robe, but rather a burgundy red robe. The introductory sequence displayed her presiding over cases, with the announcer narrating, "She's tough, she's fair, and she cares".^[1] The show was produced and distributed by Sony Pictures Television.^[1] Chris Gallo was the court show's bailiff during its run. The show was filmed at the Chelsea Studios in New York City.

To distinguish itself from other shows in the then crowded court show field, Mills-Francis permitted litigants to cross-examine witnesses on Judge Karen. Moreover, the series featured a segment at the end of each episode in which Mills-Francis answered videotaped questions from viewers.^[1] This segment was entitled "Ask Judge Karen".

It was announced on January 10, 2009, that Judge Karen would not be renewed for a second season.^[2] Reruns were subsequently televised on BET and TV One.