Welcome to my media law blog. I use this blog as a teaching tool that allows me to comment on current events and topics related to media law. It also allows you to participate in discussions involving media law topics.
I'm teaching three classes this semester -- the 12:30 p.m. Tuesday-Thursday media law class; the 2 p.m. Monday-Wednesday ITV class; and the 9:30 a.m. Tuesday-Thursday free speech/free press honors class.
As the name of the blog 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 express 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 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 suggest you double-checking your comment for grammar, clarity and sensitivity before you post.
Also, this is IMPORTANT. With your comment, please include your first name and initial of your last name, and which class you are in (12:30 p.m. TTh media law class, 2 p.m. TTh media law class, or 9:30 honors class). I need this to keep track of your comments for participation points.
You can get an idea of how I used this blog in past semesters, though you are not responsible for reading previous blog entries.
Now, let's start with something light.
Share with us a favorite book, movie, TV show, song, etc. that is related to law, then tell us why it's your favorite.
I'll go first. 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. It's based on a play that I remember reading and enjoying in high school. Turner Classic Movies regularly shows it and I seem to drop everything and watch it again and again.
OK. Your turn.
81 comments:
Easy!
I've begun watching Damages on Netflix recently and it's amazing. Not only is it on Watch Instantly, so I can see it anytime I'd like,it's full of drama, thrill, and mystery. The multi-layered plots extend through the season and keep you interested till the last minute- unlike those dime a dozen CSI shows.
Courtney P
TTH 12:30-1:50 Media Law class
I have been sitting here thinking, trying to figure out what my favorite was, and I realized that movies, TV shows etc. relating to law really are not my thing. Although this past semester I moved back home for a little bit and started watching what my parents would record, and I became a fan of Boston Legal and The Closer. Both of these sparked my attention with the witty banter and intelligent plot line. There are a lot of episodes that make me question laws that they have used for examples and you learn so easily from having to look that kind of stuff up. I would say I prefer Boston Legal, but The Closer was alright too, besides the fact that her fake accent gets really annoying after a while.
Victoria V.
TTH 12:30 Media Law
I read a book a while back that really demonstrates a different kind of government than ours and how laws affect society. Awhile ago I ready "Somewhere Inside" by Laura and Lisa Ling. I'm sure most people have heard about Laura Ling and her captivity in North Korea, mainly because there was a media storm surrounding it at the time. But, if you haven't it centers around Laura who was working on a documentary about North Korea and citizens trying to flee the country because of hostile conditions. While filming they "accidently" crossed onto North Korean territory and were apprehended. Laura and her colleague were the first Americans ever to be sentenced to 12 years hard labor in a prison camp in North Korea. I found this book quite interesting as it centers around the North Korean government and how trials in that country compares to our own. World apart.
Kaylee P.
9:30 Honors Class
My favorite movie dealing with law is "Shattered Glass". Not only does it involve legal issues, but it's those issues that deal with journalism. I'm sure most people have seen or heard about this film, but it's basically a true story about a reporter named Stephen Glass who is notorious for his highly imaginative articles at The New Republic and ends up being caught for journalism fraud. At the end of the movie we're told Stephen Glass fabricated all or part of 27 of the 41 articles he wrote during his tenure. It's just a very interesting story considering it is true.
Chase H.
12:30 TTh Media Law class
Although it's not deep, "My Cousin Vinny" is my favorite movie related to the law. The story brings humor and lightness to an usually otherwise serious atmosphere. Vinny demonstrates exactly how to not behave in a courtroom. Although comedy is more my genre, "Erin Brockovich" is another law-related favorite film of mine. The rags to riches story reveals the power of a woman in the legal world and hits home as I saw the real Erin Brockovich speak in 2008 at Texas State.
Ashley Bahl
12:30 tTH Media Law class
My favorite books, which are in also in relation to law, are by Jodi Picoult. She writes suspenseful novels with a touch of mystery. She normally begins with a person finding themselves in a legal situation which the truth and true story slowly come out as the case continues.
Marivel Resendiz
T/TH 12:30 p.m.
I too love Erin Brockovich, because I love her desire to stick up for what is right and not listening to others who try to dissuade her. It is very powerful and reminds me of investigative journalism, something I also enjoy.
Caitlin M
T/TH 12:30
Believe it or not I watched the new Battlestar Galactica series that aired a couple of years back and the power of the government is a very important part of the series. If you never watched the show it would seem like just another sci-fi show but its more about human society. All of humanity is packed into about 12 ships one of which is a military
vessel full of soldiers. There is arguments over state control or military control, questions of whether the soldiers should be permitted onto ships without permission, questions over the legitimacy of an authority that was not elected, and even the question of representation in government. It's also possible that I'm just a complete nerd. Either way its a good show if you like dramas(its more drama than sci fi)
Will B.
12:30 t/th
Mine would be a tie between "Inherit the Wind" and "To Kill a Mockingbird." The first mainly because I am a music major a love how the credits begin with a rendition of "gimme that ol' time religion"... but in a minor key. It sets up the atmosphere for the entire movie with the idea of something old (bound in tradition) wrapped in something new (major/minor equivalence).
"To Kill a Mockingbird" ties for my first place because of Scout's character. She can be a symbol for so many things- women, innocence, etc. Scout is the audience; she is constantly speaking her mind (and often her fears and confusion), but is brought together with all the events by her father (who arguably can be a smybol of blind justice).
TJL Honors T/H
I grew up watching Law and Order, and a favorite law related movie is 'A few good men', the courtroom scenes are so powerful and it gives a view into the complexity of UCMJ and dark sides military culture. I also like many of the movies already mentioned above.
Joshua G
I'm going to go with Boston Legal. Not only is it a clever attorney comedy but it's insightful into current legal topics.
My favorite print author in this field is John Grisham, without a doubt.
Sam Long, 9:30 Honors Class
I have always watched Law & Order when there is nothing else to watch on TV. I have been told that it is pretty far from reality, but I think it is very interesting to see the steps they go through with forensics and trials to find the correct guilty party. I also like how each episode is different so that you can see different cases and how they deal with them.
Mary A.
12:30 Class
The first thing that came to mind as my favorite law-related TV show was Law and Order: SVU. Even though it isn't a very accurate portrayal of what actually goes on regarding crime and the court room, I find it quite interesting. I've watched this show for years, and am guilty of spending hours in front of the TV when USA plays all-day marathons.
Brittany D
TTh media law class, 12:30
My dad is a huge John Grisham fan and owns all of the books, so I began reading them in my late teens and watched a few of the movies that were made based on the novels. My two favorites were The Client and A Time to Kill. The storylines were heart-wrenching and the court scenes were very intense. I also enjoy Law and Order and have, on occasion, wasted hours watching TV marathons of the show. There are always interesting cases and it is entertaining to see how the evidence unravels. My favorite law-related movies are To Kill a Mockingbird and 12 Angry Men. Both are classics.
Aubrey Williams
12:30 T/H Media Law
A law-related movie that I really enjoy is A Time to Kill. It's such an intense, emotional film that makes me think of what I would do if I were in the position of any of the characters in the film.
My favorite would have to be Law & Order: SVU. The acting is captivating for me, but I also think it is one of just a few law-related series that isn't cheesy (Burn Notice), corny (Psych) or just otherwise out of left field (Monk). No disrespect to those other shows of course, if you're a fan! I just enjoy SVU for the sheer intensity and realism behind the script, and just when I don't think it could be any better -- Dick Wolf goes and drops a bomb on me each and every episode.
Mason R.
Media Law T/H 12:30
My favorite TV show about law is CSI: SUV. The main character Olivia, is played by a strong woman whose birth was the direct result of rape. The show deals with current events in a "fictional" way, to help the shows' audience form an opinion about our society and court system. I also enjoy watching Ice-T, a former Rap artist, play a role as a cop, helping street kids make good choices and booking perps. There are many people in the world willing to do wrong, but even more people willing to do right.
Marilyn E.
Honors T-H 9:30
I'm don't really have the attention span for most syndicated television, nor can I recall a movie I've seen that has to do with a trial. However, the song "Breaking the Law" by Judas Priest begins repeating itself in the back of my mind almost every single time I see a cop car...
J. Mikaela Rodriguez
Media Law 12:30 TH
I have a confession to make. I’m slightly addicted to Nancy Grace, partially for her over-dramatic theatrics, and other part because I like to snicker at her self-importance. As annoying as Nancy can be she generally has well rounded guests who provide intelligent commentary on current cases. Sometimes I agree with Nancy, and sometimes I don’t. Regardless, I almost always walk away with a thought I would not have considered otherwise. Another important feature about her show is that it brings the spotlight to cases that the public may not be privy to; it is this unveiling of information that hooked me on the show.
Leah B TH 12:30
I really enjoyed reading The Nine by Jeffrey Toobin. I had to read it for Honors Business Law last semester, and it really instilled in me a passion for the law and for the Supreme Court. Its insight into the inner workings of the court was fascinating, though sometimes depressing. I especially enjoyed learning about each justice's jurisprudence.
Ethan Watt
9:30 Honors
I would have to say my favorite book and movie that is law related would have to be "To Kill A Mocking Bird." I've enjoyed both forms of the story. It describes just how unjustified our nation once was. As we talked about in class the other day, we have come a long way to get rights for equality.
Genevieve K.
TTh media law
My favorite law and court room based TV show is Law and Order: SVU. I'm with Brittany on this one, I've wasted hours of my life on my couch watching marathons of SVU. My Cousin Vinny is a hysterical portrayal of courtroom antics. Though both of these productions have wildly colorful stories, the courtroom processes portrayed are very close to actual courtroom procedure. In fact my mom, who is an assistant district attorney in Austin, has used clips from My Cousin Vinny for years when teaching new prosecutors courtroom procedures. She hates Law an Order and hates even more that I watch it.
Carl W.
T-TH 12:30
Maxfield Baker 9:30 honors
While I haven't watched it in ages I did enjoy Boston Legal, especially ol' Bill Shatner. However, I didn't really care for it because it was a show about lawyers. I've never wanted to be a lawyer and as I sit here and try to think of other law shows/movies/books that I like I draw a blank.
The only movie that comes to mind really is "My Cousin Vinny" (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SL4HdaZXuOw) and we all know how wonderfully insightful that is into the real legal process.
One of my favorite films that is related to law has to be Judgment at Nuremburg. I have always been fascinated with reading and learning about World War II, the Third Reich, the Holocaust, and the millions of Jewish and German people that were affected by this dark moment in history. The film is a fictional account of the actual trials held by the International Military Tribunal in Nuremburg, Germany during the late 1940s. The trials were designed to prosecute high-ranking officials for war crimes. What I like most about the film is that it is through the perspective of Chief Judge Dan Haywood, played by the impeccable Spencer Tracy. We see how he struggles with his moral reasoning of the defense, the defendants, and the German people as a society. The defense argues that National Socialism helped an ailing and fearful country, and that sterilization was a task of the national health code of the time. The defense also reminds the court that the judges on trial “do not make the laws but carry out the law.” Judge Haywood’s perception of one of the defendants changes when he realizes that the defendant was a manipulated patriot defending the love of his country. As the film progresses, Judge Haywood begins to question if the German people really did know about the atrocities of the Third Reich. The questions of who knew and who to blame weave in and out of the trial and throughout Judge Haywood’s everyday interactions with the German people. It is clear that Judge Haywood struggles with the answer as he tries to separate the notion that the German people are the ones who are on trial as opposed to the judges who implemented the law under Hitler. In the end, Judge Haywood debates the juxtaposition of logic vs. ethics and states that regardless of the judges’ loyalty to their country they are guilty for crimes against humanity. The film is not only thought provoking, but a great example of how moral reasoning is a large part of applying the law. I highly recommend!
Kenn Z
2 p.m. TTh media law class
One of my my favorite movies about law is The Client. I am a huge fan of Susan Sarandon and I like a lot of the other characters in the film as well. I found the movie fascinating because it is all about trying to catch criminals while breaking a few laws in the process. The protagonist (the young boy) and Sarandon's character end up trespassing and breaking and entering in order to finally get the evidence needed to catch the bad guys. Not only is it entertaining, it also shows the thin line separating what and how the legal way to go about getting justice really is.
Tiffany M.
MW 2 p.m. media law class
I'm going to have to go with CSI: Miami that airs on CBS. The action and complexity of the stories interest me greatly. The main character of the show has some of the best one-liners. I enjoy the investigation and suspense. Also, I like the multicultural aspect of Miami, a place that I have always wanted to visit.
Jessica S.
12:30 TTH Media Law class
I would have to say my favorite law-related movie is Legally Blonde. Honestly I love Resse Witherspoon plus the story plot is all about setting your mind to it and accomplishing your goal.
Cambrian P.
12:30 TTh Media Law class
I love Law & Order. It is my favorite show! I admire the guts and intelligence it takes to be a detective and a lawyer. The show has opened my eyes to the fact that lawyers spend hours and hours working on cases. I like that the show can take some unexpected twists and turns. It holds my interest and keeps me guessing!
Jenny M.
Media Law T/TH 12:30
One of my new favorite movies that somewhat centers around a lawsuit would have to be The Social Network. The film takes the audience through the Facebook deposition. It was interesting to see the case, and the amount of money that was involved. Not only that, but the topic of Facebook is so relevant to us as college students. I don't know many people without one.
Louise Armstrong
T/Th 12:30
I would have to say 'How I Met Your Mother' is my favorite television program that involves some aspect of law.
The show chronicles the character Marshall Ericson (played by Jason Segel) and his journey to becoming a lawyer - from getting his friend Barney (played by Neil Patrick Harris)to romantically persuade his law professor, to Marhsall "lawyering" people to win arguements.
Altough Marshall's school and practicing of law is not the only focus of the show, it does a great job at showing how someone should not give up their true passion to work in the legal system.
While Marshall's true ambition is to work in environmental law and protect the rainforests, it does a good job of showing how a lawyer faces real problems such as job offers with higher pay and even more respect.
The show sends the message that your overall passion should determine the career path you choose.
Erikka C. Baker
2 p.m. TTh Media Law class
Just like most people, I am hooked to Law & Order: SVU and how interesting the way that cases are built, put together and presented in court.
My favorite law-related movie is 'I Am Sam' with Sean Penn and Michelle Pfeiffer. The way that Pfeiffer's character stood by lieved was morally her job to not defend what was morally right baffled me. Penn's character taught her about true love between a parent and child, which helped her see that she couldn't prosecute for something that was morally wrong.
Lauren Berger
2p.m. M/W Media Law
My favorite movie related to law is "My Cousin Vinny" also. I love Marisa Tomei's character and that strong Brooklyn accent. Everytime I watch the scene where she proves her expertise in automotive mechanics I give out a little "YEAH!" for sticking it to the man who doubted her because she is a woman. I always say the line along with her when Mr. Gambini (Joe Pesci) asks, "Is that all?" and she replies, "No, there's more!" in that crazy accent :)Love it! I'm glad Marisa Tomei won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Mona Lisa Vito in "My Cousin Vinny." I can honestly say I learned a bit about court proceedings from this light-hearted comedy.
Alyssa M.
12:30pm TTH Media Law class
My favorite show that is somewhat loosely related to law is NCIS. I'm beyond obsessed and whenever there is a marathon on USA I drop EVERYTHING I'm doing just to watch it (or I record all 20,000 episodes). But for a media that is more closely related to law would be Erin Brokovich. I love that movie because it inspires me to continue paying attention to what happens around me and to make a difference. I think that's something that makes our law system great, if you fight hard enough (for a good cause with good intentions) you can make a difference in SOMEONE's life.
Madison Lax TTH 12:30 MC Law
Hunter S. Thompson - Gonzo Papers. Why? He was the most entertaining journalist to live, and better than any writer today. In addition, he invented Media Law.
I am going to have to say CSI: Miami. I am normally not interested in T.V. shows/movies that involve the law, I do enjoy watching CSI: Miami from time to time. I find each episode interesting and enjoy how they discover the cases that they have to tackle.
Chelsea K.
12:30 p.m. TTH Media Law
I guess I'd have to say the Devil's Advocate. What can I say, I just like Keanu Reeves.
Callie W.
T/TH 12:30
My favorite Law related TV show would be Dexter because they show all the rules and restrictions of citizens rights. Like warrants, DNA access, etc. And my favorite law-related movie and book would be To Kill a Mockingbird because it shows how a lawyer is fighting to be accurate in his profession but also because it is the right thing to do. Atticus Finch is my all time favorite lawyer!
Caroline C.
MW Media Law class, 2 p.m.
My favorite law related movies would have to be "A Time to Kill" and "Fracture." I enjoy "A Time to Kill" because of the emotions it evokes. Plus, when was the last time Matthew McConaughey took an acting job seriously? "Fracture" is just a great movie and I love twist endings.
Meagan Olson
Media Law TTh 12:30
My favorite law movie of all time has to be "Kramer vs. Kramer," from 1979. I think it's so brilliant because of the skillful way it is separated into 2 acts; both acts telling a powerful story. The first act is a touching story of how a father and his young son bond after the mother leaves. Together they find stability, trust, and happiness without a mother figure present.
The second act makes a statement I feel is still relevant today. The mother returns, demands custody, and takes the father to court. Despite the mother's absence, questionable lifestyle, and her drug/alcohol habits....she still wins custody. The filmmaker made a strong statement on how much custody battles and the legal system favor the mother due to an out-dated idea that "a child need's his/her mother."
At film's end, the mother lets the father keep custody. She couldn't in good conscience take him away from the loving, stable home she always wanted for him. With controversy still surrounding issues like: high divorce rate, teen pregnancy, and parenthood among the LGBTQ community; the movie gives a beautiful message that it doesn't take a picture-perfect family to successfully raise a child in a loving home.
Amanda G.
Media Law TTH 12:30 p.m.
My favorite would have to be either "Murder In The First" or "My Cousin Vinny". One is intense and depressing while the other is hilarious! Both great cases too!
I am also a fan of the movie "12 Angry Men" after I saw the original movie in my small group communication class. Another law related film I like is "Erin Brockovich" which I didn't see until after I saw her speak on campus when I was a freshman. Her story is interesting and captivating and it was a pleasure to see her speak. This may sound stupid but I also LOVE Legally Blond (both 1 and 2) because it's law related but also light hearted and funny. I could watch both the movies over and over.
Samantha O.
Media Law TTH 12:30
"Law and Order" has been one of my favorites, however it is a drama and a lot of the truth has been dramatized and exaggerated. "Dexter" is also a well organized series. A sociopath that illuminates an aspect of law to the average citizen. Great series.
Brian B.
T/TH 12:30
I think my favorite movie about law would be The Life of David Gale with Kevin Spacey not because it was a great movie but because my sister was an extra in it. I thought the subject matter was great but could have been better.
Sam Howell
Media Law TTH 12:30
Perfect!!
Law and Order: Special Victim's Unit is my absolute FAVORITE show to watch on television/Netflix. I believe this show provides gripping cases that at times can be relevant to real-world SVU cases. Also, it is interesting to know that, though a victim may be innocent, the law must be exactly followed to present the case (whether or not they can find evidence).
Shaina A.
Mon. & Wed. 2:00p - 3:20p
Will beat me to it, but I would have to say that the reimagined version of Battlestar Galactica definitely explores a variety of issues (including legal) very deftly. From the issues of legal systems to how to balance of civil liberties with security in a time of crisis, the issues are very influenced by modern events and are very accessible. The writing in this show is very well done and the plot is well thought out. While seemingly just another “sci-fi” show, those who look beyond the cover of this book will be rewarded with a television series that is equally thought provoking as it is entertaining.
Daniel N.
12:30 p.m. TTh media law class
I am also on the Law & Order bandwagon. SVU is my particular favorite. I have enjoyed just about every main character. It fascinates me the tactics that police and lawyers use to get suspects and/or witnesses to trip up on thier words and expose thier lies. The storylines can get pretty intense, and I admire how actors can be so dedicated to a role to a point that fans come up to them as if they are the real characters.
Thank you to Dick Wolf for creating this phenomenon.
Kayla H.
12:30 TTh
I would have to say that my favorite song about the law is "Long Black Veil" by the Chieftans. (Yes, I know the song is not by them, but I like their rendition of it the most.) In the song a man is accused of a murder he did not commit, yet when asked by the judge what his alibi was he refused to comment because, as he says "I was in the arms/Of my best friend's wife." Granted, this is not the greatest place to be, and he chooses death over defaming his love and losing the respect of his friend. However, she not only keeps the secret of their tryst, but ends up mourning his death for years after the trial. I find the song very moving, as the speaker was willing to accept death at the hands of a jury in order to keep his own secrets. It's a sort of legal catch 22.
As far as movies go, I can't say that I'm entirely interested in movies about court cases. The same goes for books and television shows.
What I am interested in are politically minded podcasts, specifically Dan Carlin's Common Sense. While his show does make me angry at times, for a number of reasons, not the least of which that I don't always agree with him, it is also incredibly informative. He is prone to speaking on controversial topics and tends to take the middle ground, not letting either side of the congressional aisle slip up without calling such slips to his listeners' attention. Yes, he's abrasive and caustic, but in a political situation such as we find ourselves in (where the Bill of Rights and the Constitution has been ripped to shreds by about 50 years of uninterrupted wartime politics) I find his abrasiveness refreshing. He's not a Glen Beck or a Rachel Maddow, he doesn't eschew the problems of one party only to call overbearing attention to the failings of the other. He calls attention to the failings of our current political situation as a whole. He is well read, well spoken, and, however much I may hate to admit it sometimes, quite often right.
Another podcast I listen to regularly is the Slate.com Political Gabfest which is a weekly show in which three commentators talk about the week's political news. This podcast is not nearly as incisive as Carlin's but it does come out more often, and focuses on current political goings on, such as current legislation. The great thing about the commentators in this podcast is that they don't all lean to the same side of the aisle. I think in this way they can have some good debates about politics without irritating any one side of the political spectrum.
George B.
T/H 12:30
My favorite law related work would have to be The Crucible. Everything about the Salem Witch Trials fascinates me and this play gives an interesting example the phenomenon of mob thinking. I think it's also interesting to see how a pre-colonial court would have run. I have read the play several times; it's one of my favorite.
Audrey
M/W 2-3:30
I had a difficult time choosing between my favorite book and movie pertaining to law. So I'll talk about them both. My absolute favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird. It is a classic and one of the first pieces of literature I chose to read on my own. It makes me cry everytime I read it. It deals with the unjust south during the civil rights movement. I suggest for everyone who hasn't read it to at least watch the movie, even though it does the book no justice. My favorite movie is a few good men. Lets face it Jack Nicholson and Tom Cruise are a hard duo to beat.
Amanda Smythe
T/TH 12:30 Media Law
The only book related to law I can remember reading was "The Firm" by John Grisham, but it was a really enjoyable book. It's about a hotshot young lawyer who gets a job at a great firm, only to find out that the firm has a major connection with the mob and now its employees are accomplices to the money laundering and illegal activities of the firm's criminal clients. The movie version starring Tom Cruise is OK but not nearly as entertaining as the novel.
There are so many movies and TV shows to choose from that feature law and courtroom drama, but my favorite and the first one I thought of is "My Cousin Vinny". It's just a really funny movie that I will turn to pretty much any time I see it's playing on TV. The New Yorkers in a Southern country town aspect with Joe Pesci and Marisa Tomei provide many moments of comedy and the way Pesci eventually wins the case for his nephew is a lot of fun to watch.
Sean F.
12:30 media law class
Although I'm never sure which city's CSI I'm watching, the CSI TV shows are my favorites dealing with the law. The cases are ridiculous or unbelievable most of the time, but that's probably just because there are so many episodes they're desperate for fresh content. I enjoy watching them to try to guess the outcome as early in the show as I can, and continue watching only to see if I'm right. Plus, they do those marathons that show the most interesting part of the next show directly after they reveal the end of the previous show so it's borderline addicting, and hard to turn off.
James C.
12:30 T/Th
My favorite law-related movie is also 12 Angry Men. It's really fascinating to see how it's important to consider all the evidence in a case. Of course, the deliberation was dramatized to make it that interesting, but it does make you think about what really makes a "open and shut" case.
Dan Japko 9:30 honors
Chicago. Total abuse of the system through media and manipulation of the public sphere. Not to mention including corruption of the penal system. The First Amendment gone totally wrong.
M. "Kacie" Hanslik
HON3395B
I really love A Time to Kill and, of course, A Few Good Men; because, how could you not? I can't flip through the tv channels and pass up these flicks... I HAVE to watch them, every time! I think A Time to Kill is my favorite because you really feel for Samuel L. Jackson's character and I also love watching the progression in the case/trial. As for A Few Good Men... It's probably one of my favorites just because I love quoting Jack Nicholsons line, "You can't handle the truth," if we're being honest.
I would have to agree with many of the commenters that my favorite law related book is To Kill a Mockingbird.
Sarah S.
12:30 T/TH
My favorite law-related movie at this time would have to be The Social Network. The movie shows an actual heated court setting that has once taken place concerning the network, Facebook. It shows an example of how an actual court case is organized and dealt with. My cousin works for Facebook so I've already seen the employee side, but it was cool to see where Facebook started and how it has become what it is today.
Frances K.
12:30p.m. T-H Media Law Class
My favorite show relating to law is NCIS. I love this show and watch it frequently. NCIS, which stands for Navel Criminal Investigation Service, often deals with military law and often helps solve criminal cases involving the Marines or Navy. The show revolves around the life and happenings of Special Agent Gibbs and his team of investigators such Tony Dinozzo, Ziva David, Tim McGee, forensic scientist Abby Scuito, and Medical Examiner “Ducky” Dr Donald " Ducky" Mallard.
Most of the cases involve murder and the team works hard to injustice is served for those who have been murdered or accused of murder. Some example of those cases include a marine who was framed for murder after he found out his kid was not his; a mummified body found in a warehouse, and various murders that take place in that military base in Washington D.C. The team has also had to deal with the murders of their teammate Kaitlin Todd in season four, and Director Jennifer Shepherd in season six.
NCIS has a formula that works. At the beginning of every episode is a murder or a dead body found. After the opening credits, the team investigates the case and all the revolving processes that will lead to justice or a resolution of conflict. The team will collect evidence, conduct interviews or interrogations with suspects, Abby will examine the evidence, and Dr. Mallard will determine the cause of death. In the end, a suspect is found and apprehend. Very rarely does an episode end in court, but the characters on the show will discuss laws and legal issues.
NCIS is easy pill to shallow, no pun, intended, because it mixes humor with violent, grotesque, or macabre themes. The humor is often light, sometimes sexual, and good natured making it easier understand the plot or subject at hand. Crime and murder can be boring, and to much to handle for some so the humor helps keep the plot moving.
NCIS is a good show for casual watchers to enjoy, as well as, the die hard fan for it’s easy flowing plot and likable characters.
Gloria W
T/TH 12:30 Media Law
My favorite law related movie is "The Life of David Gale" it made me look at capital punishment differently. I thought it was a great movie with a good twist at the end that taught a pretty powerful lesson. I also enjoy watching all of the 'forensic file' type murder documentaries on tv. I think that our forensic technology is very impressive and I enjoy watching the crime scene and trial unfold. My favorite law related comedy has to be "Liar Lair"
Valerie Soja
t/th 12:30 media law
My favorite law related show is Law & Order: SVU. I've also seen the regular Law & Order show but once I saw SVU I was hooked like I hadn't been to any other law related show. It is very interesting and has the best storylines not only about the crimes happening but with the main characters as well. I know that this show can be very dramatic at times and more than half the time isn't exactly how things happen in the real world but it's interesting to see how some of the cases are solved or aren't for that matter. I don't know much about all the laws out there but this show at least gives me a glimpse of things.
Johanna S
TTH 12:30-1:50 Media Law
My Cousin Vinny: It isn't all that believable, but in reality the arrest of someone in the wrong place at the wrong time does exist. The writing is smart and keeps people guessing as the arguments between the two boys seem more and more valid. It's also exciting to watch Pesci (Vinny) and see if he will be able to win the case.
My favorite show is Law & Order. Although I don't watch it much because I don't watch TV much, when I do, I always enjoy it. I also do enjoy court TV which I think is really entertaining. My favorite is The People's Court.
Noelle White
12:30 TTH
Id have to say Law & Order SVU is probably my favorite law TV show.
I particularly liked one episode where the young blonde DA (cant remember her name and no Im not being misogynist thats just the best way to describe her) goes after a judge who she feels made the wrong ruling based on his own perosnal bias. The case had to do with a mother almost killing her child, but the episode gets interesting when she faces the realities of taking down a Judge. Good stuff.
Matt B
TTH 1230
I'd have to say that one of my favorite movies involving law is The Devil's Advocate. There's not much regarding a court room or law in general, but there's something about the dark undertones and the idea of lawyers being "demon-like" that I think rings true for what the masses think when it comes to that whole career field. I could say the same for American Psycho as well. Having sat through a few lectures now, I can definitely see why these social stereotypes continue!
Kelsey Taylor
T/TH 12:30
My favorite movie of all time, dealing with law, is Sleepers. The story is based on a group of boys that, after a prank goes wrong, are sentenced to a year in a youth detention center. During their stay they are brutalized traumatically by the guards up until the day they leave. The boys grow up, one turns out to be a lawyer, two become killers and the fourth is just an average joe. One evening at a bar the killers run into the main guard that harassed them at the youth home and kill him while he's sitting at a booth. The lawyer, who is a city prosecutor, takes the case and loses on purpose getting his friends off a murder charge. I like this movie because they use the system to get revenge and urge you to see if you have not already.
Phillip J, T-Th 12:30 Media Law
My favorite film relating to law is also 12 Angry Men. It kind of scared me how quickly people voted him guilty, almost based off their emotion and not wanting to be there, and how this could easily happen to anyone. I thought it was interesting how one person was able to convince the others that there was reasonable doubt and they found him innocent.
Randall R, T-Th 12:30 Media Law
My favorite law-related movie (though it's not serious) is "My Cousin Vinny," hands down. It's hilarious, and I watch it when it's on TV every chance I get.
Lisa Carter
M/W, 2 p.m. class
Camey S., TTh:
My favorite law-related movie is Erin Brockovich for a variety of reasons. The fact that this movie was based on a true story is absolutely staggering. Also, I have worked as a paralegal before, so am able to relate to her character. Finally, you can't help but admire Ms. Brockovich's perseverance and sassy attitude!
Okay, better late than never, right? I was talking to my husband yesterday about the movie Chicago. I haven't seen the film in a while, but what I do remember is that it appealed to me because it showed law in an interesting light, from the point of view of a performer, an actress. It made the trial out to be a huge performance, and the job of the lawyer and the defendant was to put on such a spectacular show, that the jury would fall in love with your character and award you with fame and fortune. One scene that I particularly loved in the movie was the Cell Block Tango scene in which women described how and why they killed the men in their lives, and then sang "If you'd have been there, if you'd have seen it, I bet ya you would have done the same." They then said something that reminds me of a discussion that we had in class about OJ Simpson, the inmates then said "I didn't do it, but if I'd done it, how could you tell me that I was wrong?" This in some ways reminds me of how Simpson blatantly rubbed in the fact that he basically got away with murder by writing a book saying that he didn't do it, but if he had...this is how he would have done it.
Hollee Barfield
MW 2:00
My favorite law-related movie is "Catch Me If You Can" because it shows that eventually a life of crime will get you caught. I'm amazed by how much money the main character, Frank (played by Leonardo DiCaprio,) is able to obtain by writing bad checks and by how many different professional positions he succeeds in holding throughout the movie without much experience for any of them; it's definitely entertaining!
Brittney S
TTh 12:30 Media Law
I enjoy the Law and Order series. It showcases the different dynamics represented in the courtroom and I get addicted to the plotline easily. The different perspectives portrayed are interesting to me and I always find myself quickly wanting to see more.
Taylor Penn
Media Law 12:30 Tues/Thurs
One of my absolute favorites is, "To Kill a Mockingbird." I absolutely loved the book and the movie. But as far as T.V. shows go, I love "The Closer" on TNT. It's always so intense and Kyra Sedgwick's character is so interesting. She and her team are sometimes forced to work within the law despite how guilty someone may appear but it's funny to watch her wiggle through the loopholes and manipulate people.
Katherine G TH@ 12:30
I love to watch Dexter on Showtime. It is so creative and suspenseful. The main character Dexter is a crime scene investigator and a murderer at the same time. The show deals mostly with homicide investigations and a lot of the time criminals get away with breaking the law because of a technicality. But when they do, Dexter catches them and punishes them in his own way.
Christina H.- 12:30 T-TH
Favorite Song : Shackled Up by Krayzie Bone
you'll have to listen to it to know why)
Favorite Film : Adam's Rib starring Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy
(I'm a sucker for TCM and all things Classic Film)
Favorite TV Show : Law and Order
The Original as well as SVU
(I cried when Jerry Orbach aka Lenny Briscoe passed, no one could deliver cheesy legal/criminal one liners like this guy, no one)
Favorite Book : News, Crime and Culture by Maggie Wykes
(It was a gift, a very thoughtful gift, and is an amazing read, if you're into that sort of thing)
My favorite movie that makes me think more about myself and about a common goal is V for Vendetta. Throughout the movie there is a lot of censorship from the government. The movie is one of the first times I've visualized what life would be like without freedom of speech. V for Vendetta is a movie that will make you re-analyze how you view certain aspects about the government and personal opinions.
Jeremy Klaff T/TH 12:30
I'm going with Law & Order. Out of all law related shows that one seems to have the best medium between reality and entertainment. So it's good I get something out of watching it to. Law & Order seems like its been on TV forever..
"Dun dunnn"
My favorite tv show is Californication. It's intriguing and exciting to see the lifestyle of a outlandish and non-traditional protagonist named "Hank Moody". In this show Hank gets accused of statutory rape, although the circumstances are extenuating. It was interesting to see how the verdict was read and the punishment Hank received for the crime. Definitely an entertaining show, check it out if you can!
Favorite Law Movie without a doubt:
Few Good Men. I honestly have seen it a good 20 times and still get chills. I wanted to be a lawyer after that movie and then reality always sinks it and I never actually go to law school.
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