Is Judge Judy allowed to charge litigants with contempt of court?

Yes, Judge Judy, as an arbitrator on her television show, has the authority to impose penalties for contempt of court within the context of her show. However, her rulings and decisions are not legally binding in the same way as those made in a traditional court. The show operates under arbitration rules, and while she can maintain order and impose consequences, her powers are limited to the scope of the show's format.