Are court shows fake?

Your question referrs to "shows" and then appears to refer to actual real courtroom footage. I'll answer both. In reference to court "shows" like Judge Judy or The People's Court, these people have actual litigation in a local court and they mutally agree to move their litigation and to abide with what the judge on these shows decide after hearing both sides testimony. Of course, these are always misdemeanor or petty or civil issues at hand and of course not felonies or murder trials. As far as actual courtroom footage, it depends on the case at hand, the judge, the attorneys and the local court rules on whether or not tv camera's are allowed. What you need to realize is that a trial is a public hearing and anyone at anytime can go over to the courthouse and sit in on any trial as long as there is room left in the audience, first come first serve. The tv camera's just make it easier on us.

It is up to the judge in each court whether or not to allow cameras in the court room.

If you recall, the LA courtroom where OJ Simpson was tried had a camera in it every day for months.

The TV show producers work hard and give the judge any type of restrictions they ask for because the shows are very popular.

So, short answer, yes they are real.