Judge Judy and friends are not courts in the normal sense of the words — they’re mediators which look like courts; both parties have to agree in writing to such a thing.
Not sure what CA law on trial by jury is in civil cases, but you may well be entitled to a jury trial if you so request.
I’d seriously research whether those asshats have any history of this type of bad behavior; it might help your case and establish cause for a future malicious prosecution suit or harassment charges.
