10 Movies every aspiring lawyer should watch

10 Movies every aspiring lawyer should watch

10 Movies every aspiring lawyer should watch
Saru Niraula

Films are an excellent way to learn things quickly without thinking too hard about them.

You might disagree with us if we remark that "law" and "courtrooms" are known to play significant roles in numerous movies and insist that law and order is not a compelling subject to watch.

Most law-related movies are known to break records and, in some cases, even make history. Thus this is far from the truth.

Therefore, anyone considering a profession in law should strongly consider seeing the films listed below to gain a realistic understanding of the conditions of law and order in society.

The Paper Chase

The film is based on the same-named John Jay Osborn, Jr. novel from the 1970s. James Hart, a first-year student at Harvard Law School, is the focus of the (film's) plot. 

When Hart shows up for Professor Charles Kingsfield's first lesson, expecting the professor to cover the fundamentals, he is in for a surprise. 

However, Professor Kingsfield prefers to educate through inquiry and debate, so when he ends up asking Hart a question, Hart is completely humiliated in front of the entire class because he has no idea how to react. 

The remainder of the film centres on Hart's ascent to the top and their efforts to rank among his group's top performers.

The film also shows the fierce competitiveness and study methods used by lawyers in law schools.

Erin Brockovich

Erin Brockovich, released in 2000, is a biographical adaptation of Erin Brochovich's life. 

Erin Brockovich sued the energy company Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) for poisoning the water in the town of Hinkley, where PG&E maintains a plant. 

How Brockovich gathers information and constructs a compelling case against the energy business is central to the movie's premise.

And Justice for All

Al Pacino plays the main character in the courtroom drama And Justice for All from 1979. The life and times of Baltimore defence lawyer Arthur Kirkland are central to the film. Assaulting Henry T. Fleming, the judge in the case Arthur was involved in, landed him in jail.

Due to flaws in the legal system, Arthur can defend two clients who are both innocent but are being accused of crimes they did not commit. 

As a result, Arthur is called to defend Fleming against a crime that responsible for. How Arthur handles this case is also essential to the film.

Presumed Innocent

Harrison Ford plays Rozat "Rusty" Sabich, the main character in the movie Presumed Innocent, based on the best-selling book of the same name. 

The rape and murder of Carolyn Polhemus, a previous girlfriend of Rusty, serve as the central plot points of the film. Additionally, Rusty is given this case, and when he gathers the evidence from the crime site, he is surprised to discover that it all points to him being the murderer. 

Rusty asks Sandy Stern, a prominent defence attorney, to take over the case. Sandy looks into the matter, shows up for additional hearings, and discovers several riddles connected to the incident.

The Accused

"The Accused" is a drama film released in 1988, directed by Jonathan Kaplan and starring Jodie Foster. The film tells the story of a young woman named Sarah Tobias, who is brutally gang-raped in a bar and the legal battles that ensue as she seeks justice. The film is a powerful exploration of sexual assault, victim blaming, and the challenges of seeking justice in the legal system.

Sarah Tobias is a working-class woman out for a fun night with her friends when several men in a bar attack her. Despite the efforts of the bar's staff to intervene, the men continue to assault Sarah and leave her severely injured. As Sarah struggles to cope with the trauma of the attack, she turns to the legal system for help. She is aided by a compassionate assistant district attorney named Kathryn Murphy, played by Jodie Foster.

"The Accused" is a powerful and thought-provoking film that highlights the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and supporting survivors of sexual assault. The film delves into the complex issues surrounding sexual assault and how the legal system can help and hinder survivors in their pursuit of justice. It also explores the role of the media in shaping public perception and the impact that high-profile cases can have on society.

To Kill a Mockingbird

"To Kill a Mockingbird" is a classic film based on Harper Lee's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. The film, released in 1962, explores themes of racism, prejudice, and social inequality through the eyes of a young girl named Scout Finch.

The film is set in the small town of Maycomb, Alabama, during the 1930s. Scout Finch lives with her older brother Jem and their father Atticus, a lawyer who is assigned to defend a black man named Tom Robinson, who has been accused of raping a white woman. Despite the widespread racism and discrimination in the community, Atticus believes in justice and equality and is determined to give Tom a fair trial.

As Atticus takes on the case, Scout and Jem witness firsthand the harsh realities of racism and prejudice in their community. They also learn valuable lessons about courage, compassion, and the importance of standing up for what is right, even in adversity.

"To Kill a Mockingbird" features a brilliant performance by Gregory Peck as Atticus Finch and is a poignant exploration of the impact of racism and prejudice on individuals and society. It is a must-see film for anyone interested in social justice issues and the legal system.

The Social Network

"The Social Network" is a biographical drama film released in 2010, directed by David Fincher and written by Aaron Sorkin. The film is based on the life of Mark Zuckerberg, the founder of Facebook. It explores the legal battles and ethical dilemmas surrounding the creation and growth of the major technology company.

The film follows the rise of Zuckerberg from his days as a student at Harvard University to his eventual position as CEO of Facebook. As the company grows in popularity, Zuckerberg is faced with a series of legal and ethical challenges, including accusations of stealing the idea for the site from former classmates and issues related to privacy and user data.

"The Social Network" features a standout performance by Jesse Eisenberg as Zuckerberg and is a compelling look at the world of business and technology law. It also raises important questions about the role of social media in society and the impact that it can have on individuals and businesses. If you are interested in the legal and ethical issues surrounding the tech industry, "The Social Network" is a must-see film.

The Lincoln Lawyer

"The Lincoln Lawyer" is a legal thriller film released in 2011, based on the novel of the same name by Michael Connelly. The film stars Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Haller, a defence attorney who operates out of the back of his Lincoln town car as he takes on a high-profile case involving a wealthy client charged with assault.

Haller is a savvy and successful lawyer accustomed to working with clients from the criminal underworld. However, when he is approached by a wealthy real estate developer named Louis Roulet, who is accused of assaulting a prostitute, Haller begins to suspect that the case is not as straightforward as it seems. As he delves deeper into the matter, Haller uncovers a web of deceit and corruption that threatens to bring down his client and himself.

"The Lincoln Lawyer" is a fast-paced, gripping film that offers a unique perspective on criminal law. It is a must-see for anyone interested in legal thrillers or the inner workings of the legal profession.

A Few Good Men

"A Few Good Men" is a military courtroom drama film released in 1992, directed by Rob Reiner and starring Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore. The film follows the story of two Marines, Private First Class Louden Downey and Lance Corporal Harold Dawson, who are imprisoned for the murder of a fellow Marine, Private First Class William Santiago.

The case is assigned to Navy lawyer Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, played by Tom Cruise, who is known for plea bargaining and avoiding trial. However, as he begins investigating the case, Kaffee realises that there is more to the story than meets the eye and becomes determined to uncover the truth.

"A Few Good Men" delves into the complexities of the legal system and the difficult choices that lawyers and judges must make in pursuing justice. It also explores themes of loyalty, honour, and the weight of responsibility that comes with being a military member. If you are interested in legal dramas or military themes, "A Few Good Men" is a must-see film.

The Verdict

"The Verdict" is a legal drama film released in 1982, directed by Sidney Lumet and starring Paul Newman as Frank Galvin, a down-on-his-luck lawyer who takes on a medical malpractice case. The film explores redemption, justice, and the legal system and is known for its intense courtroom scenes and powerful performances.

Galvin is a former successful lawyer who has fallen on hard times and is struggling with alcoholism. When an old friend approaches him with a medical malpractice case involving an unconscious woman, Galvin sees it as an opportunity to redeem himself and turn his life around. However, as he takes on the powerful insurance company defending the case, Galvin faces a series of challenges and setbacks that threaten to derail his efforts.

"The Verdict" is a compelling look at the legal profession and the personal struggles that lawyers can face. It is a must-see film for anyone interested in legal dramas or pursuing justice.

Related Posts :

blog

Bangalore: Silicon Valley of India

Bangalore is widely regarded as the "Silicon Valley of India" (or "IT capital of India") because of its role as the nation's leading information technology (IT) exporter. The Central College of Bangal
Bishal RanaWed Apr 12 2023
blog

Hyderabad: The City of Pearls

Hyderabad is the capital and largest city of the Indian state of Telangana. There are many traditional and historical bazaars located around the city. Some of the top universities of Hyderabad include
Study info centre SWed Apr 12 2023