The Shocking Truth: 5 Reasons Why Bailiff Byrd Was Replaced On Judge Judy's New Show (And Where He Is Now In 2025)

The iconic 25-year partnership between Judge Judy Sheindlin and her steadfast bailiff, Petri Hawkins-Byrd, remains one of television’s most enduring and, ultimately, most controversial relationships. For a quarter of a century, the duo’s on-screen chemistry—a blend of stern authority and subtle, knowing glances—defined the courtroom genre on the original *Judge Judy* show. However, as of this updated report in December 2025, the question of "Where is Byrd?" is more relevant than ever, as he is conspicuously absent from Sheindlin's latest venture, *Judy Justice*.

The transition from the syndicated hit to the new streaming show on Amazon Freevee (formerly IMDb TV) brought a complete overhaul of the courtroom cast, a move that sparked confusion and sadness among millions of loyal viewers. This article dives deep into the official and rumored reasons for the split, the current status of both television legends, and the surprising new project that has reunited Bailiff Byrd with the Sheindlin universe.

The Complete Biography and Current Status of Judith Sheindlin and Petri Hawkins-Byrd

To understand the dynamics of their professional split, it is essential to first look at the incredible careers of the two figures at the center of the story.

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• Judith Susan Sheindlin (Judge Judy)
  • Born: October 21, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York.
  • Career: Former prosecuting attorney and Manhattan Family Court Judge. She became a cultural phenomenon with *Judge Judy* (1996-2021).
  • Current Project: Presides over *Judy Justice*, an arbitration-based reality court show that premiered on Amazon Freevee.
  • Net Worth (Approx. 2025): $440 million, largely due to the sale of her show’s library and her lucrative salary.
• Petri Adonis Byrd (Bailiff Byrd)
  • Born: November 29, 1957, in Brooklyn, New York City.
  • Career: A former New York court officer who worked with Sheindlin in the Manhattan court system before becoming the longest-running court show bailiff in television history.
  • Current Project: Serves as a bailiff on *Tribunal Justice*, another court show created and executive-produced by Judge Judy Sheindlin.
  • Net Worth (Approx. 2025): $2.5–$3.5 million.

The Five Key Reasons for the Judy Justice Split

When *Judge Judy* concluded its monumental 25-season run in 2021, fans naturally assumed the familiar faces would transition to the new, highly publicized streaming show, *Judy Justice*. The revelation that Petri Hawkins-Byrd would not be returning was a major shock. The reasons for his absence are layered, involving a mix of business, personal circumstances, and communication issues.

Here are the five primary factors that led to the end of the on-screen partnership for *Judy Justice*:

1. The "Priced Out" and New Cast Strategy

Judge Sheindlin’s official stance centered on the desire for a completely fresh look for the new show. She wanted *Judy Justice* to be distinct from its predecessor, and this required an entirely new cast.

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However, Byrd himself revealed a more pointed reason he was given. He stated that Sheindlin told him he "was priced out as the new bailiff on her new show" and that his salary would have been too high. This explanation was confusing to Byrd, who noted he was never officially asked what his salary expectations were for the new streaming venture. This suggests the "priced out" reason may have been a convenient business explanation for the strategic decision to hire a new team.

2. A Major Communication Mishap

The most heartbreaking aspect of the split for fans was the lack of direct communication. Byrd stated he was never formally asked to join *Judy Justice*. He only learned about the new show’s production when Sheindlin publicly announced it.

This communication breakdown was a significant factor. Byrd had been working with Sheindlin since the late 1980s in the New York court system, and their professional relationship on television lasted for 25 years. He described their connection as "like two old married people." The lack of a direct invitation or conversation was a clear sign that the new production team was moving in a different direction without him.

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3. Personal Circumstances (Wife's Health Battle)

At the time the new show was being developed, Byrd was dealing with a significant personal crisis: his wife, Makita Bond-Byrd, was battling cancer. This difficult period meant Byrd was understandably preoccupied, and he was not actively pursuing the next professional step in the same way he might have been otherwise. Some reports suggest this personal focus contributed to the communication gap, as he was not immediately available to discuss the future of the new show.

4. The New Courtroom Team: Kevin Rasco and Sarah Rose

In line with the strategy to create a "brand-new" show, *Judy Justice* features a completely fresh cast. The new team is comprised of a younger generation of legal professionals, reflecting the show's move to a modern streaming platform.

• The new bailiff is Kevin Rasco, a retired Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) officer.
• The new Law Clerk is Sarah Rose, who is Judge Sheindlin’s own granddaughter.
• The team is rounded out by court stenographer Whitney Kumar.

This deliberate choice of a new ensemble, including a family member, cemented the decision to leave the original *Judge Judy* cast in the past, regardless of Byrd's popularity.

Bailiff Byrd’s Triumphant Return: The Role on Tribunal Justice

While the initial split for *Judy Justice* was disappointing, the story of Judge Judy and Byrd did not end there. In a surprising and welcome twist for fans, Petri Hawkins-Byrd has officially returned to the Sheindlin television universe.

Byrd is now a bailiff on *Tribunal Justice*, another arbitration-based reality court show created and executive-produced by Judith Sheindlin.

What is Tribunal Justice?

*Tribunal Justice* is a multi-judge court show, similar to Sheindlin’s other successful creation, *Hot Bench*. The show features a panel of three judges who collectively hear and rule on cases.

• The Judges: The panel includes Judge Tanya Acker, Judge Patricia DiMango, and Judge Adam Levy.
• The Bailiffs: Byrd shares bailiff duties with Cassandra Britt.
• The Platform: Like *Judy Justice*, *Tribunal Justice* is available for streaming on Amazon Freevee and also airs on The CW channel.

This reunion, albeit on a different show, demonstrates that the professional relationship between Sheindlin and Byrd was not irreparably damaged by the *Judy Justice* communication mishap. Sheindlin clearly values Byrd’s presence and his decades of experience as a court show bailiff, ensuring his legacy continues in her new media empire.

The Legacy of the Judge and the Bailiff

The 25-year run of *Judge Judy* established both Judith Sheindlin and Petri Hawkins-Byrd as television legends. Sheindlin’s no-nonsense approach and Byrd’s calm, authoritative presence created a perfect on-screen balance. The simple nod or look exchanged between them often spoke volumes, providing a moment of levity or stern confirmation within the high-stakes courtroom drama.

While the transition to *Judy Justice* was marked by controversy and confusion, the current reality in 2025 is that both figures are thriving in Judge Sheindlin’s expanding empire on Amazon Freevee. Byrd’s role in *Tribunal Justice* ensures that his beloved presence, which defined the court show genre for a generation, is still available for fans to enjoy. The separation was a business decision, but the professional respect that defined their quarter-century run has ultimately led to a new chapter for both the Judge and her long-serving Bailiff.