Welcome to Speak Freely. As the name suggests, I want you to use this forum to speak freely about the topics that we will discuss in media law class.
We will discuss some controversial topics -- and often, we may not agree. You may not agree with me, or you may not agree with your classmates.
But this is a forum of expression, so you have the right to your opinion. My opinion is not correct just because I'm the instructor. You should feel free to disagree with me.
Think about this as the First Amendment in practice.
A few ground rules, please. Some of our discussions may become heated. While you have the right to express your opinion, I would urge you to be considerate of others, especially those with whom you disagree. Avoid attacking or belittling someone just because you disagree with his or her opinion. And, I would suggest double-checking your comment for grammar and clarity and sensitivity before you post.
Also, this is IMPORTANT. With your comment, please include your first and last name, and which class you are in (either TTh 9:30, TTh 12:30 or MW 2, will do). I need this to keep track of your comments for participation points.
You can get an idea of how I used this blog last semester by looking at past posts, though you are not responsible for previous blog entries.
Now, let's start with something light. I've already done this with my Monday-Wednesday class, so this is directed to my two sections (9:30 and 12:30) on Tuesday-Thursday.
Share with us a favorite book, movie, TV show, song, etc. that is related to law, then tell us why it's your favorite.
As I shared with the MW class, my favorite law-related movie is "12 Angry Men" -- the original with Henry Fonda. It provides a gripping insight into a jury deliberation in a trial of a young man accused of killing his father.
OK, your turn.
49 comments:
My favorite law-related movie is "Double Jeopardy." It is about a woman (Ashley Judd) who is falsely accused of murdering her husband. Later, we find out that the husband planned the entire thing in order to takeoff with the couple's son and another woman. I love how Judd uses the double jeopardy clause to come back and give her old husband what he deserves.
Jessi Shores (TTh 9:30)
I am a fan of Law & Order... both Criminal Intent and Special Victims Unit. The charater situations seem realistic. I like how the detectives sometimes clash with the prosecutors about evidence and judicial procedure.
We watched a TV movie called "Gideon's Trumpet" in my government class my senior year of high school. It told of the story behind Gideon v. Wainwright, ending in the Supreme Court's rule that criminal defendants can have the right to an attorney even if they cannot afford one. Of course it starred Henry Fonda as Clarence Earl Gideon. I remember most of it, and I remember liking it a lot as well.
My favorite law-related show is Cold Case because of the time frame the cases range in. I like seeing how the detectives deal with the time that passed and the new evidence combined. It's very visual with capturing the time period of when the case was first opened.
"Sleepers" is by far one of my all time favorite films. It's a 1996 film with a great cast (Robert DeNiro, Kevin Bacon, Dustin Hoffman, Brad Pitt). The movie starts with a group of kids growing up in Hell's Kitchen. After a prank goes terribly wrong, they are sent to a detention center where they were brutalized and raped. The judicial system should have protected them as kids, and 15 years later they have an opportunity to use that system for revenge. The movie uses themes such as revenge and the controversy of the law and our judicial system.
I highly recommend this movie. Rent it! You won't regret it.
"Chuck and Larry" is a good example of this type of film. It shows how uptight and sneaky the law can be; even if it includes personal privacy.
Seth Hale (T TH 12:30)
I read a book last year by Julie Salamon called "Facing the Wind". It's a true story about a lawyer named Bob Rowe that brutally murdered his wife and three children in 1978. The majority of the book examines the aftermath and how he got off on the insanity plea. He spent years trying to get back his law license and actually built another life with a new woman who knew about the murders from the beginning of their relationship. I liked the book a lot because it was well written and must have taken countless hours of interpersonal research to put together. It also really makes the reader think about the situation and repeatedly question his or her own moral values.
Matthew Champion (TTh 12:30 - 1:50)
my cousin vinny is my favorite movie dealing with the law. it's a comedy centered around a falsely accused murder case. hilarious movie
Nick Loftis (TTh 12:30 - 1:50)
My favorite law-related show is Psych. I'm a comedy type person; so, I like it's goof-ball approach.
It's about a guy whose father was a detective. The father trained the boy to think like a detective since a very young age. The boy grows up with these amazing deduction and attention skills, but due to personal reasons isn't able to make it as a cop. So, to do what he wants (solve crimes) he pretends to be a psychic.
I also like Monk for the same reason of its comedy(less so than Psych) aspect.
Brigette Botkin (TTH 12:30 - 1:50)
Erin Brockovich is definitely one of my favorite law movies. I like that you get to see behind the scenes and all of the research that is done for a big case. I love SVU too!
Stephanie Kusy-Wilson TTH 12:30
I really like the book (and movie) The Postman Always Rings Twice by James Cain. It's a scandalous story about a drifter who becomes obsessed with a woman who's married. They kill her husband and get away with it in court...but karma comes back to haunt him. Definitely the ultimate tabloid murder!
Tandy Gutierrez (TTH 12:30)
My favorite book dealing with law is To Kill a Mockingbird. I also enjoy the movie version. I don't think any actor could deliver Atticus' closing speech during Tom Robinson's trial as well as Gregory Peck did.
Casey Young
T-Th 12:30-1:50
My favorite song that somewhat pertains to law would have to be Alice’s Restaurant by Arlo Guthrie. It’s a really hilarious song that was also made into a short film about this hippie that gets himself into trouble. I’m not really sure if it would be appropriate for this discussion but he does go to jail and has a trial and all that. Anyway you should check it out if you like to hear people sing talk, love hippies, or have nothing better to do.
I just recently watched 'Catch me if You Can', which has to be one of my favorite movies of all time. It is based on a true story and Leonardo Decaprio plays an amazing role in which he cons millions of dollars before his 19th birthday through forging checks and going on to act as a piolot, doctor, and lawyer. He eventually gets caught and ironically ends up working for the FBI helping detect forged checks. I also love Law and order, SVU, Legally Blonde, and The Green Mile.
Sophie (MW 2 pm)
Denise Mamo TTH 9:30
The first song that comes to mind that I like is, "I Fought the Law" by The Clash. It talks about robbin' people, stealing, etc. and how he always gets caught.
I definitely have to agree with Jessi Shores, "Double Jeopardy" is a pretty good movie involving the law, but my all time favorite is The Shawshank Redemption (1994).
It's a prison drama about a guy who is wrongfully sentenced to jail for the murder of his wife and her lover. He ends up breaking out of jail (in a rather unique way) and running off with all the wardens $$$.
If you haven't seen I guarantee you would enjoy it, it's a good one.
Ashley Kegley TTH 12:30
Silvia Irizarry Tue & Thur class at 9:30 am...I am a fan of Law & Order mostly Special Victims Unit but I will watch the original as well as the Criminal Intent. I can stay home watching Law & Order marathons on USA all day! lol I love the actors and the cases are always so interesting. I know that cases don't get solved as easily or as quickly but it's entertaining for me. I am ashamed to admit this but I do NOT know anything about law and the little that I do know is from LAW & ORDER...who said television rots your mind!?
I'm a fan of the show Boston Legal. William Shatner plays an extremely weird lawyer named Denny who is regularly arrested. One episode he even shot a guy after giving his closing comments in the courtroom. Boston Legal is probably the worst example of a realistic portrayal of a courtroom, but it is a hilarious show.
Amy Lane (T-TH 12:30)
My favorite law movie would have to be The Rainmaker. It is based on a John Grisham novel. It's about a rookie lawyer and his battle against a large insurance agency that denied his client funding for a bone marrow transplant which would save his life. It's a great movie!
My favorite television show related to law is Boston Legal. The show often chooses its subject matter from hot-topics that are in the news. One example of this would be the episode in which the law firm tried a Roe vs. Wade type case. Though the show is often a mixture of comedy and drama, I thought that this episode clearly examined both sides of the case. The show is now off the air, so it looks like I'm going to have to find another legal show to get into.
My favorite television show, whenever I get to watch some TV, is Judge Alex. It's funny when you see people lying to get off the hook. People create so many environments, or as the judge says, "describe very well," to make their point. Other funny stuff going on, well just check it out...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAoz0eckey4
César G. Rodriguez M-W 2 p.m.
"Damages" on FX with Glenn Close is my current favorite amongst recent law films or television programs. "Murder One" on ABC back in the 90's was another enjoyable law television show.
John Seidner T-Th 9:30
Well, this might qualify as more of a prison movie, but I love Shawshank Redemption. Andy Dufresne is convicted in the court of law for killing his wife and her lover. It really makes me think of all the people that have been wrongfully sentenced to prison for crimes they didn't commit. Great movie.
Summer Ratliff
T-Th 9:30
I agree with Bianca. I also like Law & Order. Special Victims Unit seems very real. The story line always grabs your attention. For the best movie I would also say Double Jeopardy. It is funny how the system works, and how it works out for certain people.
Its hard to decide which law related work is my favorite. Since I Have to pick one now, I would have to go ahead and say my favorite law related movie is "My Cousin Vinny." I'm a big comedy fan and Joe Pesci is amazing in it. It's a funny film but you also get to see, in a sense, how the justice system works. Good flick.
Chris Marple
TTh 12:30pm
My favorite movie is Erin Brockovich. I love Julia Roberts but she played the part so well. I loved her part as a bad ass go-getter lawyer. She related to her clients even though others advised against some of her decisions.
Ashley Bustamante T/T 12:30
Amabilia Esparza (T-Th12:30)
My Favorite Television Show To Watch Is Snapped. It's About Women Who Murder People And Almost Get Away With It. The Cases Are True Which Makes The Show Even More Entertaining. Most Of The Women End Up Killing Their Husband. There Are Cases In Which Some Women Have Walked Free Even After Admitting To Murder. "Hell Have No Fury Like A Woman Scorned." LoL
Kristen Williams T/H 12:30
My favorite law-related movie is Erin Brockovich. I must have watched it ten times already. I love it because it's a true story about a regular woman whose persistence paid off. It's a great example of how our judicial system can work for the little guy.
Also, hearing Ms. Brockovich speak on campus last year was motivational and really hit home. It was a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to see her and it was eye-opening to see how strong she is.
My favorite law movie would have to be "The Firm". The star of the movie is Tom Cruise (before scientology). He plays a hot-shot law school graduate who is swayed into working for a big corporate firm. After a while he notices something suspicious in the daily goings-on at his firm. After diving head first into an investigation of his own firm he finds that they are quite corrupt.
I could tell you the whole movie but you need to see it for yourself.
My favorite law related Tv Show is Reno-911. check this out it cracks me up everytime:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZp_8jTwiUY
I love Rainman and most recently I got into Intolerable Cruelty. Rainman is Tom Cruise' best law movie though. However, you can't beat George Clooney as the Divorce lawyer. Good stuff.
Brett(t-th 930)
My favorite law related movie is A Few Good Men. It shows the importance of evidence and proof in a trial and I love how Tom Cruise pressures Jack Nicholson to admit the truth in the end.
Amanda Sulfridge T-Th 12:30
My favorite t.v. shows are both Law and Order and CSI. I like these shows because it gives a better understanding of the law and clarifies the way the law systems works with certain cases.
Katrina Reid TTH 9:30
I hate to sound like I'm kissing up, but I can't think of anything better than "12 Angry Men". It's a classic. I like how one person takes a stand and changes the fate of an accused man.
Kaycee Toller
T-TH 9:30
I Really like the movie "The Client". It does not use too much law jargon that the average viewer can not understand it, but it does give you an inside look at the law.
Ashley Sugg
TTH 9:30
Laura Coria T TH 12:30..
Runaway Jury. It's about a case against a gun manufacturer and conspiracy with the handling of the jury. It's interesting to see how Cusack as a juror begins to persuade the jurors to swing his way while the prosecutor(Hoffman) and jury consultant(Gene Hackman), who are getting paid to persuade jurors to think opposite, are negotiating with Cusack's girlfirend Rachel Weisz so Cusack will stop. The case is about Cusack and Weisz are doing this because Cusack's brother was killed by a gun that was from the same manufacturer. It's been a while since I've seen that movie. It's an okay movie to be honest but the viewer gets a sense of what makes a jury, how it is to be a part of a jury and how unethical it is to influence the jurors like how the consultant was doing. The ones I really like were already posted: Erin Brockovich, Shawshank Redemption and Chuck & Larry was pretty damn funny!
My favorite movie is Erin Brockovich. Besides the fact that I think Julia Roberts is a wonderful actress, I also loved her persistence and attitude in fighting for what she knew was right and was able to relate to her clients.
Jessica Knox
T/TH 12:30
I don't know why I put T/TH 12:30.
I am in the 9:30-10:50am class-T/TH
Jessica Knox
T/TH 12:30
My favortie book that has to do with the law is To Kill A Mockingbird, I know it's old but I think it's a classic for a reason. I love how Atticus Finch stands up for what he believes is right even when basically the whole town is against him. The story is written very well and describes racial discrimination and injustice through the eyes of a child.
T/TH 12:30
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit is one of my favorite shows. I used to be fairly naive in respect to strangers and what they might do. I started watching L&O 6 months ago and have become much more aware (my friends would say paranoid) of my surroundings and I've reaized that not everyone is as nice as they seem. It's especially convincing because each show is based on true cases.
For the record, I meant to say 'realized,' not reaized.
M/W 2
Sajen Claxton-Hernandez
When first asked, I initially thought of 12 Angry Men. It almost seems like it should be a boring movie about 12 guys in a room talking the entire time. But it's not boring at all. It is quite interesting to see how the director keeps a movie entirely filled with dialogue in a single room fresh. Job well done, in my opinion!
Spoiler alert?:
As for the story, it's great too. It's almost kind of scary if you think about it. Most of the jury was dead set on giving the big "GUILTY," but one man wasn't sure enough to agree with the rest. Eventually, they all realized that the man was not guilty. It's kind of scary because it makes you wonder how many convicted criminals weren't guilty of their crimes.
I 100% agree with Ashley Bustamante, Erin Brockovich all the way! The movie is so empowering and makes you really believe that YOU yourself can actually make a difference with the law. I mean truly one of the founding fathers could have started off as just an average Erin Brockovich.
Megan Overland t/th 1230
When I have the chance to watch television, I love to watch Law and Order, Cold Case Files and Oxyen’s “Snapped.” All of these shows have to deal with the law and have taught me one thing. With today’s technology and forensic evidence it is almost impossible to get away with murder.
Lauren Miller T/Th 9:30
When I have the chance to watch television, I love to watch Law and Order, Cold Case Files and Oxyen’s “Snapped.” All of these shows have to deal with the law and have taught me one thing. With today’s technology and forensic evidence it is almost impossible to get away with murder.
I would have to agree with Professor Martinez. I really enjoyed the movie "12 Angry Men" and I think it accurately protrayed our judicial system in it's ideal form. I also think that "Jury Duty" - the Pauley Shore remake/parody - did a pretty good job in recreating it.
My favorite law related TV show is "Law and Order- SVU." I think it portrays the world of crime and law well. They discus many different crimes and there is sometimes a moral and ethical battle. You can't help but get your emotions involved. My favorite law movie is "Training Day" with Denzel Washington who is a corrupted cop. The premise of the movie makes you question why laws are laws and how easily it is for certain people to get around them.
Laura Felux
TH 9:30 am
I think my favorite movie as far as politics, and being the BEST movie, is "Double Jeopardy".....but, since that's already been discussed, I will say the movie I was most interested as far as history and politics is "Thirteen Days". Even though I think the acting could have been a little better and Costner could have worked on his accent a...LOT more, the shear suspense that was created through the situation of the Cuban missile crisis was amazing. Again, I think it was a situation where I knew about the Cuban missile crisis, but to see it played out and put myself in that administration's shoes really got me thinking. It mainly made me think of how the situation would play out today.
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