All Rise For the Honorable Sam Champion
Sam Champion becomes a judge for a day.
Oct. 21, 2008 — -- After taking an aptitude test from Self-Directed and learning his ultimate job match was a judge, "Good Morning America" anchor Sam Champion, headed straight to Chicago to learn just what it would take to moderate in a courtroom.
There, Judge Jeanine Pirro, who is a former lawyer, prosecutor and district attorney, and now hosts her own show, offered to show Sam the ropes, with one exception.
"I'll teach you how to be a judge if you teach me how to be a weather woman," Pirro said.
"Anytime," Sam responded.
The first stop Sam made was the judge's chambers where Pirro swore him in and told him the specific traits that make for great judges.
"You've got to number one, look for the truth. In order to do that, you've got to be a good listener," she said. "You've got to know the law.
"And above all, a sense of humor," Pirro added.
Pirro then gave Sam a courtroom tour, the all-important lesson of just how to bang the gavel and tips on looking like a judge.
"If you're gonna be a judge, you need to do one of two things today. You either need to put on a judge's tie or judge's shoes," Pirro said.
Sam chose the tie.
With the look down and his eager attitude, Sam was ready to sit in with Pirro in the courtroom.
"All rise. The Honorable Judge Jeanine Pirro and Honorary Judge-in-Training Sam Champion, presiding," the bailiff said to announce the pair's arrival.
Sam announced the first case, which involved a mother suing her daughter's ex-boyfriend. She had co-signed for his apartment and was now on the hook for the damages she had to pay when he moved out.
With Pirro alongside him, Sam wasted no time digging into his first case. But it wasn't easy. Sam found it challenging, because he was the one seeking truth and getting both sides of the story.
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