My Cousin Vinny
2 hours
If you've been to law school, you've undoubtedly heard of this movie.
It is always a great example for certain topics such as:
evidence; civil procedure/ discovery; criminal procedure; trial skills; and all
the practical legal skills that school and the bar exam do not test.
This is a story of a new lawyer navigating his way through his first trial
with funny, quotable moments left and right.
It is an extremely enjoyable watch.
A Time to Kill
2 hours, 29 min.
This movie is a legal drama about a murder case, race, and what truth and
and justice can mean. The facts of the case are very serious, and the movie
is extremely gripping, although not without occassional comedic relief.
This movie is a story about a young white lawyer in the South defending a
black man facing criminal charges for doing what many fathers would probably do.
Starring Matthew McConaughey, Samuel L. Jackson, and Sandra Bullock.
The movie leaves you with a feeling of what the law is for, or at least
should be for: People - humans.
Erin Brockovich
2 hours, 12 min.
This movie is based on the true story of a legal clerk, Erin Brockovich,
investigating a terrible environmental situation affecting many people, and
ultimately helping the victims win the largest settlement against an
insurance company in U.S. history.
This movie shows the dedication and compassion that goes into accomplishing any great
challenge.
Starring Julia Roberts, Albert Finney, and Aaron Eckhart.
This movie is about a woman who cared enough to work hard and who inspired
everyone else to do the same.
12 Angry Men
1 hour, 36 min.
This movie is about a jury deliberating after a murder trial. In the United States,
for a jury to find someone guilty of a crime, the jury must find that the evidence
shows that the defendent is guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This movie shows how a small seed of doubt can transform in jury delibarations
and take an argument between 12 people to every possible logical end until
it reaches the truth - the verdict.
Starring Henry Fonda, Lee J. Cobb, and Ed Begley.
This movie is also probably another well-used law school lesson.
The Verdict
2 hours, 9 min.
This is a movie about a good lawyer who's down on his luck but happens to
turn an easy case into an incredible medical malpractice trial.
Like every good legal drama, the main character faces obstacles all over
and the movie shows how much hard work can go into a trial.
Starring Paul Newman, Charlotte Rampling, and Jack Warden.
This is more of a serious movie, and definitely a classic.
The Client
2 hours, 1 min.
This movie isn't the usual one vs. another plotline. A kid sees something
that he shouldn't have and is suddenly in high demand by an ambitious
US attorney to testify about what he knows. Luckily for the kid, he finds
an amazing lawyer who puts the kid's best interests first.
Starring Susan Sarandon, Tommy Lee Jones, and Brad Renfro.
This movie shows the that important ways a lawyer can represent a client
inside and outside of a courtroom.
Legally Blonde
1 hour, 37 min.
This movie focuses mostly on a student's time during her first year of law
school and her big summer internship that takes her to court on a high-profile
murder case.
Most people watch it probably before going to law school
but apparently it's even funnier after you've gone.
Starring Reese
Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, and Jennifer Coolidge.
This movie is fun, full of memorable moments, and often inspiring.
Philadelphia
2 hours, 6 min.
This movie is based on true stories of lawyers who sued their former
employers for firing them because of AIDS discrimination. It is an
emotionally gripping drama that leaves you hopeful that justice does prevail.
Starring Tom Hanks, Denzel Washington, and Antonio Banderas.
This is a movie about the law overcoming prejudice.
JFK
3 hours, 26 min.
This movie is based on a true story of a district attorney investigating
the assassination of JFK and attempting to prove the conspiracy in court.
It is a very interesting movie.
Starring Kevin Costner, Kevin Bacon, and
Tommy Lee Jones.
This is actually a great courtroom drama because it
shows how much investigation goes into a legal case.