The Good Wife's 14 Most Memorable Judges—In Our Opinion

All rise! Over the years, we've watched Alicia Florrick face some big cases in the courtroom—and have met some unforgettable judges. These are the 14 most memorable characters who have presided, "in our opinion."


In accordance with The Good Wife’s epic courtroom scenes, we find in favor of CBS All Access, where you can catch up with every episode!

Exhibit: “Fleas” (Season 1, Episode 16)
Do you recall this scene? Like many lawyers before him, Will Gardner was not warned of the rules of Lessner’s court. The Hon. Patrice Lessner insists that every lawyer in her courtroom follow an argument or statement with "in my opinion."

May the record reflect: 
Judge Patrice Lessner: "It is equally obvious that I am a judge and yet you continually refer to me as 'Your Honor.' All I ask is that you do the same with your opinion." 

Exhibit: "Open Source" (Season 6, Episode 16)
Do you recall this scene? Judge Abernathy presided over a high-profile case involving a gun made from a 3D printer, causing tension between Diane Lockhart and Kurt McVeigh.

May the record reflect:
This Cook County civil court judge absolutely loves courtroom theatrics.
Judge Charles Abernathy: "I must admit, I worry about turning this trial into a clinic on gun-making, but—yeah, please!"

Exhibit: "Silver Bullet" (Season 2, Episode 15)
Do you recall this scene? From the start, Judge Afterman seemed to have his mind elsewhere—to the point that he eventually fell asleep in the middle of Diane Lockhart’s objection.

May the record reflect: 
Diane Lockhart: "Objection, your honor!—Your honor?"
Judge Afterman: (Shaking himself awake) "I heard you—sustained!"

Exhibit: "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot" (Season 3, Episode 9)
Do you recall this scene? After a soldier was accused of murder using a drone that killed Afghan civilians, Alicia Florrick and Will Gardner found themselves in front of a familiar—and very stern—military judge.

May the record reflect:
Colonel Leora Kuhn: "As I entered court, you saw fit to say something to your co-counsel. What were you saying, Mr. Gardner? I would like to get it on the record."
Will Gardner: "Apologies, your honor. I was commenting, ‘Are there any other judges in the military?’"
Colonel Leora Kuhn: "Good. To answer your question, yes, there are. And yet, here I am again. Happy days."

Exhibit: "Taking Control" (Season 2, Episode 1)
Do you recall this scene? Alicia had a heated confrontation with Judge Matchick over Fifth Amendment rights.

May the record reflect:
Alicia Florrick: "As long as you are attempting to circumvent her Fifth Amendment right, I will not shut up."
Judge Howard Matchick: "You will shut up or be held in contempt!"

Exhibit: "Lifeguard" (Season 1, Episode 10)
Do you recall this scene? When a judge overturned a simple plea deal that Alicia arranged, she looked into his motivation. Clearly upset, Will Gardner called him out in open court—big mistake!

May the record reflect:
Will Gardner: "The plaintiff has acquiesced to our request."
Judge Parks: "Yes, and the bench has not. What is so hard to understand here, Mr. Gardner?"

Exhibit: "Feeding the Rat" (Season 3, Episode 4)
Do you recall this scene? Alicia takes on a pro bono case where the witness quickly becomes the prime suspect, but it's Lockhart & Gardner that may be in the most jeopardy, as Will and Diane consider their futures and the firm's direction. Known as "Justice Tie-Dye" for his rambunctious personality, the Honorable Flamm is constantly treating everyone in the court as if they’re close friends.

May the record reflect: 
Judge Francis Flamm: "Evelyn made a great zucchini bread, if anybody wants? Go ahead, Evelyn, hand it all around!" 

Exhibit: "Parallel Construction, Bitches" (Season 5, Episode 13)
Do you recall this scene? While defending Lemond Bishop on drug trafficking charges, Florrick-Agos discover an NSA wire tap. Judge George Kluger, known for his deadpan sarcasm, presided over the case.

May the record reflect:
(After finding the firm had its wires tapped, the judge immediately changed priorities when presented with evidence.)
Judge George Kluger: "Be ready for a great Monty Python-sized boot coming down on your head, Mr. Lester, if you stray too far afield." 

Exhibit: "Unprepared" (Season 1, Episode 8)
Do you recall this scene? Judge Winter presided at Peter Florrick's hearing. While he was friendly toward Peter, allegations of an attempt to bribe him forced Winter to deny bail.

May the record reflect:
(To the state's attorney asking about Peter’s potential sleeping arrangements)
Judge Harvey Winter: "That’s enough, counselor. Whether they intend to share a bed is of no concern to this court." 

Exhibit: "Seven Day Rule" (Season 4, Episode 13)
Do you recall this scene? Judge Chase presided over the firm's necessary extension to pay off their mounting debts to their creditor—Mr. Louis Canning.

May the record reflect:
Judge Chase is known for hearing all arguments from all sides. He notably almost always overrules on objections to hear witnesses answers.
Judge James Chase: "Ms. Lockhart, please let me do my job. Go ahead and complete your answer."

Exhibit: "Two Girls, One Code" (Season 4, Episode 3)
Do you recall this scene? This veteran judge had an uncanny knowledge of computer programming, which was perfect for the case he was presiding over: the potential release of search engine Chum Hum’s proprietary algorithms.

May the record reflect:
Ms. Walsh for the defense: "Objection, your honor! I find this line of questioning offensive and irrelevant!"
Judge Michael Marx: "No, it isn’t, Ms. Walsh. It actually isn’t."

Exhibit: "Blue Ribbon Panel" (Season 3, Episode 19)
Do you recall this scene? Alicia clashed with her fellow members of a blue-ribbon panel—particularly Judge Peter Dunaway—while investigating a police shooting.

May the record reflect:
Judge Peter Dunaway: (To Alicia) "You don’t need to impress us. You’re here, you have a seat at the table. That’s impressing us enough. You don’t need to be clever."

Exhibit: "The Gloves Come Off" (Season 3, Episode 18)
Do you recall this scene? Judge Sally Rigby presided over Alicia's case involving a man who was injured and lost his wife in a snowmobile accident. Judge Rigby saw right through the defense team’s tactics of delaying to force the plaintiff to settle.

May the record reflect:
(Calling attorneys to approach the bench)
Judge Sally Rigby: "There are no real legal issues to dispute, so here’s my order: Marshal your settlement arguments and meet me in chambers in one hour. Understood?"

Exhibit: "Taxed" (Season 7, Episode 4)
Do you recall this scene? Alicia clashed with this bond court judge when she agreed to support a client's plea of innocence in a shoplifting case. Judge Schakowsky clearly cares more about his time served than anyone else’s!

May the record reflect:
Judge Don Schakowsky: "Then do your damn job and sell it to her. Don’t you dare slow me down Mrs. Florrick!"