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.
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-check 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 (9:30 a.m. TTh media law class or the 2 p.m. TTh media law 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, when they do, I seem to drop everything and watch it again and again.
OK. Your turn.
60 comments:
From Sam B. 2pm tth media law & ethics-
The movie I mentioned in class was a nice suprise. I checked it out of the San Marcos Library. The film "Charlie Wilson's War" stars Tom Hanks as congressman from East Texas who uses his position as a representative of the United States sitting on certain key commitees to facilitate the 1980s win by Afganistan against the cruel Russians invaders. This "largest covert operation in history," led up to the fall of the Berlin Wall and an end to the "Cold War."
The cover blurb claims that the movie is "WICKEDLY FUNNY" but it goes much further than that. It is based on real events and well worth the time.
A song that I relate to law, specifically to government and abuse of power, is Incubus' "Megalomaniac". The lyrics, as well as the music video, portrays government and people of power (dictators, presidents,etc) as individuals who abuse their power. The opening lyric is about the media, "I hear you on the radio/ you permeate my screen/ It's unkind but..../If I met you in a scissor fight/I'd cut off both your wings on principle alone".... Those are some powerful lyrics in my mind about how people in positions of higher political/religious/etc stature abuse their power.
I am in no way an anarchist, but I do agree with the message of this song to some extent.
Locked Up Abroad is awesome! I think it's a great way to educate viewers on how differently legal systems are around the world.
And Boston Legal (when it was on TV) was HILARIOUS!
- Kelly F.
MC 4301.001, T/Th 9:30A
I'd have to say my favorite right now is The Social Network. This movie highlighted the legal complications surrounding the creation of Facebook. The movie gave me a different perspective of Facebook and social media altogether. I loved it. Jesse Eisenberg was amazing.
Angelica T.
MC 4301 9:30 T/TH
My favorite move related to law is A Time to Kill. In the movie, a man's daughter is beaten and raped. The man gets so angry he murders the men responsible. The movie shows every aspect of the trial. Though the law is clear- murder is against the law- he is not convicted because of the juror's own sense of justice, right, and wrong. The movie also deals with race issues.
Meredith H.
MC 4301 TTH 2 p.m.
This is going to sound silly, but I really enjoy the movie "Liar, Liar". Jim Carrey plays a lawyer who is very good at what he does because he bends the truth, so to speak. And not just in the courtroom, but in his own personal life with his ex-wife and son, Max. Max gets so fed up with his father lying about play dates with him that at a birthday party he blows out the candles while wishing his father could not lie for an entire day. Magically, his wish is granted and hilarity ensues. The courtroom and law aspect of the movie most likely do not depict a realistic setting, but nonetheless is enjoyable. He agrees to represent a woman divorcing her husband even though she cheated on him repeatedly and clearly. However, because he can not lie, it makes for an extremely humorous film.
Paul G.
TTH 2 p.m.
One of my favorite books and movie is To Kill A Mocking Bird. In middle school we were assigned this book for our summer reading assignment. In high school I found out that there was also a movie produced based on the book. The story takes place during the 1930s. Atticus Finch (the father/a lawyer) defends Tom Robinson (a black male) in court against charges for raping a white woman. Atticus finds that the woman is lying about being raped because of the fact that her father (a drunk) caught her making advances toward Tom. But despite the fact that there was evidence to show Tom was innocent, the jury convicts him because he is a black male. Atticus is bewildered by the injustice in the "justice" system.
Ashley F.
MC 4301.001
TTH 9:30 a.m.
One of my favorite TV shows is Law & Order. I like it because it shows how legal justice doesn't always match up with what is morally right. The characters in the show have to interpret the law to individual situations, and a lot of times there are several different views on how the law should be put into practice. The show is also interesting because while most of the time the law works to help the victim, sometimes it fails and the suspect gets away with the crime.
Corey H.
TTH 2 p.m.
One of my favorite law movies is Conviction starring Hilary Swank. Swank plays a working mother whose brother is wrongly convicted of murder in the 1980s. She puts herself through law school and later teams up with the nonprofit organization Innocence Project. Together they get DNA testing done on the evidence, thus overturning the wrongful conviction of her brother. The movie portrays the belief that the legal system does not make mistakes as well as the political and administrative red tape one must fight to achieve justice.
Dina M.
TTH 9:30-10:50
A movie I just saw recently that I really liked was The People vs. Larry Flynt. I enjoyed the remarks by the lawyer, and how he didn't necessarily endorse what the magazine was about, but still believed they had a right to publish it. I liked the idea of taking the freedom of speech to the extreme just to ensure all our freedoms in between.
Nichole S.
2p.m. TTH
An extremely profound issue is presented in the movie Bordertown. The movie portrays the problems that Mexicans face in bordertowns and the U.S. companies' ignorance of their part in enabling improvement/progress. This movie is one of my favorites because this is a huge issue that plagues the U.S. and Mexico, however, it is often overlooked or ignored. This makes the movie that much more important, because it serves as an education of certain unknown realities.
TTh 9:30
One of my favorite law-related pieces of literature is "The Merchant of Venice" by Shakespeare. Its most famous scene takes place in a courtroom in Venice. Antonio, a wealthy merchant, defaults on a loan provided by a jewish man named Shylock. Because the merchant is an anti-Semite, the contract the jewish money-lender made with Antonio calls for a pound of Antonio's flesh in the event of a default. In brief, a woman disguised as a lawyer finds a fault in the contract and prevents Shylock from taking Antonio's flesh. In the end, Shylock loses all of his wealth and property on a technicality. This dramatic, albeit racist, comedy offers an interesting insight into the flexibility of the interpretation of the law and ways a convincing argument can manipulate even the most gruesome situation.
Brittani W.
T/TH - 2 p.m.
I wouldn't say it's my favorite law movie, but I want to share it because I recently had a significant experience dealing with him. I like The People vs. Larry Flynt, but I recently got to hear him speak at his book signing and I got a different view of Larry. I was amazed that despite an assassination attempt, a stroke and just old age he continues to be such a strong advocate for freedom of speech. I'm not saying I'm a big Hustler fan or anything, but even his attitudes towards people that protest against him and think of him as a misogynist are positive. He supports them in a way because he thinks they have a right to protest. I feel like it's rare to see someone be a champion of those rights in all situations and not just when it's convenient for them. Plus, the movie pretty much hits on the same principle.
'To Kill a Mockingbird,' is definitely my favorite law-related book and movie. I enjoyed it because it shows how far removed justice can be from the law. Atticus Finch, the lawyer defending a wrongly accused man, strove to uphold what was right, only to have the prejudice of the jury convict his client for a crime he didn't commit. It proves that the flaws of human beings can corrupt laws we designed to be infallible, and shakes Atticus' belief in the legal system.
Sara W.
9:30 a.m. T-Th
I remember reading 12 Angry Men in school. Mainly because I had the part as Juror #1 so I had a lot of speaking parts.
My favorite law-related movie is Social Network. I didn't think I would enjoy the movie about a website, but the way it was written and presented just sucked me in for the duration of the film. I like how it was based on the court documents from the trial so it was like an inside peek of what apparently happened. It's just one of those movies that made me want to immediately press play again the moment it was over.
Then on the other side of the spectrum, I really love Legally Blonde with Reese Witherspoon. That movie is hilarious and so unrealistic, but I seem to watch it every time it's on.
I'm also addicted to Law and Order, NCIS and Criminal Minds.
-Sarah V, 2 p.m. TTh media law class
Although they are both shows made to entertain rather than educate people on the subject of law, my two favorite shows currently would have to be Suits and Franklin and Bash.
Franklin and Bash shows a comedic or laid back setting to dealing with the law whereas Suits shows the background into the life of a lawyer when it comes to dealing with difficult situation in which they have to use unconventional methods to obtain details or evidence revolving around a case they are working on.
Anil K. TTH 9:30 Media Law Class
Dalida U.
TTH 2p.m. Media Law class
Being that I'm an Advertising major, I liked a book called "The selling of the president 1968." This book shows the behind the scenes work that goes into creating and branding a presidential candidate.
As far as music goes, I've always felt Michael Jackson was great, and still is, at pointing out faults in government and law while educating his fans about what's going on in the world.
Allison U.
2 p.m T/Th Media Law class
This past summer I really got into USA's new show Suits. Although it takes a more comedic approach to the area of law, I like how it portrays the relationships within the firm. It is interesting how the struggle of seeing the law as black and white or if there is room for gray areas is played out between the characters.
My favorite law-related movie would have to be "The People Vs. Larry Flynt. As a mass comm major I recommend this movie to all of you. It's sad how a simple case as this one can go all the way to the Supreme court for "justice." This movie makes me feel like the word "freedom" is over-rated, and that when it comes down to it, we have none at all.
Staci D. TTH 9:30 a.m.
Anastacia (Staci) R. TTh 2 p.m. Media Law
My favorite law- TV show is Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. Although at times this does not display the real legal processes or skips through the initial docket dates it does give a good grasp into some of the criminal charges one can be faced with in all or most areas of life, not only rapes and murders like the show typically aims towards.
Katie Mc. TTH 9:30 a.m. Media Law
My favorite is Law and Order: Criminal Intent. This show just engages my imagination. It is one of those shows I sit down and cannot get up until it is over. I love the criminal aspect of this show. It combines aspects of shows, such as, CSI, but breaks down the law part of it. It definitely makes me want to get into studying law more and puts it in a interesting form.
Amaris S
TTH 9:30 a.m. Media Law
My favorite show is Law and Order. I like it because it comes close to what real life is like. It shows the law doesn't always work. The victim sometimes doesn't get the justice they deserve.
One of my favorite movies concerning law is Philadelphia. It is about a senior attorney who believes he has been fired from his law firm after he reveals that he is gay and has AIDS. I like the fact that the movie deals with both workplace discrimination and also with human rights violations, and that the case tries to set a precedent for legal protection regarding both issues.
MARIANA GARCIA
MC 4301 TTH 2 p.m.
My favorite law related book is "Perfect Match" by Jodi Picoult. Its a very strong subject book yet very common now a days. Its a about a priest who abuses a little boy and the mom is a lawyer. Its very coincidental, the mother knows everything about the law but the pain in her heart doesn't allow her to think straight therefore she goes against everything she knows and believes in and takes justice into her own hands. Heart touching, keeps you in your toes kind of book, loved it!
I honestly haven't seen many law movies/shows so I'd have to say my favorite law movie is Legally Blonde. Although it's a silly and light-hearted comedy, it's nice to see a woman, who is so predisposed to many stereotypes, kill it in the court-room. This movie held my interest because she was really able to play on her own experiences (which others saw as weaknesses) and outshine all the others.
Gineen Pospisil
MC 4301
T/TH. 9:30
Michael B. T/TH 9:30 a.m.
My favorite law related movie would be "Dirty Harry" with Clint Eastwood. There was a part in the movie where Callahan, Eastwood, seized evidence from the killer's home. Since there wasn't a warrant or approval, the DA dropped all charges even though they knew the suspect was the killer Scorpio. The villain then pays a guy to beat him fairly savagely and uses the media to blame the beating on Callahan. A lot more happens but those were the specific examples that related to the topic discussion. It was interesting and it relates to aspects of both law and media.
Robert C T/TH 2pm
My favoite law related movie would have to be JFK. I love the movie and while it has to do with the assination of President Kennedy, a lot of the movie is about the only trial ever to charge someone with the assination of JFK. I also love the TV show, Border Wars on Nat Geo and all the legalities of protecting our nations borders.
I love watching Snapped. Not only are the stories intense and outrageous, but you can see documents and footage from the courtroom. I think it is interesting to see what happens and what evidence seals the deal and puts the perp behind bars. I also love Law and Order SVU, but Snapped is real cases that happened. Plus, Law and Order is unrealistic since they catch the perp 99% of the time!
Lauren Lewis
T/TH 9:30
My favorite law related movie would have to be 'Shawshank Redemption'. I watched it in one of my criminal justice classes and the movie was amazing. People are convicted of crimes they are not guilty of all the time and it was nice to see a movie from the viewpoint of a innocent prisoner.
I really like "The Pelican Brief." I have seen it a million times and never get tired of it. The fact that a law student wrote a brief that in return was getting important people killed is impressive and interesting to me.
One of my favorite movies that relates to law is Batman Begins. It's an example of how a government has failed its people through corruption, and yet only one person has the courage to take down the man responsible for the corruption.
-Kristina C
T TH 2 pm
One of my favorite movies that relates to law is "Capote," based on a novel called In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote. The movie and book are based on a killing spree that happened in Kansas to an innocent family of four. I've read the book over a dozen times and own the movie, and I must say, neither get old!
-Lindsey M.
Tth 9:30
Laurie G TTH 2pm
My favorite law related movie is "A Time To Kill". I love how it shows some lawyers really do care and want to see justice, that it's not always about money.
Lincoln Lawyer is my favorite movie that deals with law. It probably had to do with the fact that I dont watch that many movies about law and that Matthew McConahague stars in it. But it fills you in with what you need to know about the law even if you dont go into it knowing anything about law. It also gets really intense and has you at the edge of your seat wondering how it got so twisted around. Great movie!!
-kelsey d. TTH media law 2pm
I'm gonna have to go with All the Presidents Men. I've seen the movie before and it's really good but I just read the book this summer and it's much more in depth. I especially liked it because it gave a really good example of the media playing that "watchdog" role during the Watergate scandal. I mean, if Woodward and Bernstein and others at the Post hadn't put so much time and effort into breaking the Watergate case, I seriously doubt Nixon or any of his "men" would've stepped down from their duties at the White House.
Jill Ament, T-TH 930-1050
Jaclyn D. TTH 9:30 a.m.
My favorite law-related film is "Brokedown Palace." Two American girls are caught with heroin, neither was aware they had it on them, while trying to board a plane out of Thailand and are then charged with drug smuggling. Several times throughout the film the girls are tricked into signing confessions written in Thai, which they can't read. Although it isn't focused on the U.S. legal system, it does show the corrupt Thailand legal system and the uphill battle that it takes to find fair representation in a foreign country.
I love 12 Angry Men, but for the sake of not copying you, I'll go with Philadelphia. Denzel Washington and Tom Hanks are two of my favorite characters, and it was tackling an issue that was taboo at the time, and can still sometimes be uncomfortable.
One of my favorie movies is "Witness for the Prosecution" (1957) with Tyrone Power and Marlene Dietrich. The movie surrounds a man convicted of a murder with his wife being a witness for the prosecution. The movie shows how everything is not what it seems and ones morals come into question. A great movie with great acting.
Selina Smith
MC 4301 T TH 9:30
One of my favorite movies is with Denzel Washington called the hurricane. It is about a famous boxer who was African American during a very racist point in history. The boxer was falsely acused of triple murder. After spending time in jail, he wrote a book and convinced others that he was innocent. This movie shows how corrupt and long the legal system can be. Bob Dylan also wrote a song about this, also called "the Hurricane." long song but very good
Brandon Klassen
MC 4301
T-TH 2:00 PM CST
In the spirit of OJ Simpson, a discussion I understand we'll be revisiting often this semester, I'd like to mention one of my favorite law-related TV show episodes.
The episode "June 17th 1994" from ESPN's documentary series titled "30 for 30" tells the story of the day OJ led the world on a slow-speed chase through L.A.'s highways. It features not only the circus of a trial, but all of the historical sports events that were interrupted on that tragic day.
While the episode is highly entertaining, it would also be a great way to get introduced to a trial we'll be discussing all semester.
I hope y'all enjoy as much as I did!
Danielle V., 9:30 a.m. TTHU
One of my favorite movies that relates to law is "Conviction" with Hillary Swank. I particularly like this movie because she gets a law degree and ends up saving her brother from a life sentence for murder. DNA testing saved his life and proved him to be not guilty.
It's a GREAT movie! Check it out if you have not seen it!
Natalie C., 9:30 a.m. TTH
I'll take the spoiled route and say two here - one movie and one TV show. Suits on USA has got to be one of the wittiest, most intriguing shows about a law firm that I've ever watched. The two main guys share a good re pore, and the issues in the show seem to be world current and relatable. My favorite movie is "A Time To Kill" with Matthew McConaughey and Samuel L. Jackson. Another story along the lines of "To Kill a Mockingbird," where the main character is defending a man who killed a man who raped his daughter in a very prejudiced and racist South.
This is Elizabeth (Betsy) P. from your 9:30 class!
My favorite law movie is My Cousin Vinny! If you haven't seen it you must. I also consider Nancy Drew my hero and her dad Carson is a lawyer so I'm counting all the Nancy Drew Mysteries as my favorite law-related books :) Oh and To Kill a Mockingbird!
Christopher G. 9:30 T-Th
My favorite law related movie is "My Cousin Vinny". I'm partial to comedies and it's a great one. It's about two New York college students getting accused of murder in Alabama. It's quite funny and has a lot of cultural humor in it.
Gabriela Tangassi 9:30 T-Th.
My favorite law related show is Bones. I was reminded of one episode in particular. During this episode Bones's father is being accused of murder. To save her father Bones takes the stand and brings attention to the fact that she could have also killed the man and the jury no longer fully convinced her father is not guilty.
Rufus W 9:30 TTH
To be honest I can't think of any really good law based entertainment besides Legally Blonde, I loved its unusually light-hearted approach to law. I recently watched I love you Phillip Morris which touches on law and the system.
For music, i would have to say Madonna's American Life album stands out because she pushes the boundaries on the first amendment and free speech since she bluntly spoke out against the government. It's personally one of my favorite albums.
My original comment disappeared for some reason. Well, let's try again.
My favorite law movie is The Insider. It stars Russell Crowe and Al Pacino, and is about a tobacco company whistleblower's attempt to reveal attempts by a powerful corporation to deliberately mislead the public about the addictiveness of cigarettes.
I say this is my favorite law film, and one of my favorite films in general ... as a smoker. Cigarettes are incredibly addictive and it shows the companies for what they are: concerned about profit at the expense of users' health. It's also a great media law film, as it dives into the press side of an important story.
OH I LOVE "12 Angry Men"!
That's a great one.
I would have to say one of my most recent favorite movies involving law would have to be The Lincoln Lawyer! That movie really got my blood flowing and was just all around a great movie. There were multiple twists and turns throughout it with never any dull moments!
-Allison R
MC 4301 9:30 T/TH
Kyle M. TTh 9:30 a.m.
I really like "A Few Good Men." This really shows how heated a court room can get and also the frustration that goes along with a case.
Marc E. TTH 2:00
My favorite law-related movie is "Eagle Eye" because, like today's government, they watched Jerry Shaw and Rachel Holloman, tracking their every move. Our government can easily watch whoever they want anytime no matter where that person may be with all of the satellite coverage we have nowadays.
Peter T. 2:00 pm T/TH media law class
My favorite film/book relating to law is "To kill a mockingbird." The main reason I love it is the character Atticus Finch, played by Gregory Peck. The character, along with all the other characters are written so perfectly that it's hard to find a single thing to complain about in the whole movie. It tackles the issue of inequality and is an all-around great story.
Ryan Smothers
TTH 2pm
I just recently saw Wall Street which picks up with Gordon Gekko (Michael Douglas) being released from prison after serving time for insider trading. For me the movie was enjoyable because it gives an interesting plot as to what happened on Wall Street in 2008 at the beginning of the financial crisis. It is also interesting and very concerning to see all the alleged illegal activity that goes on under our noses.
One of my favorite shows growing up was Father Dowling Mysteries, about a priest who somehow every episode has a murder to solve. Another favorite was Matlock with the defense lawyer who always managed to get a confession on the witness stand from the real killer. I like them both because the good guy always wins.
Sarah B.
2pm TTH Media Law
My favorite movie would be My Cousin Vinny. It is a perfect portrayal of inside a court- minus some of the funny quirks. I absolutely love the characters! My favorite book is 'How to Kill a Mockingbird,' I haven't seen the movie yet, so I don't know how good it is, but I loved the book. It's my favorite book because of the characters and how they are written.
Martinez B
9:30a.m. TTH Media Law
Gerardo A. T-TH 9:30A.M.
My favorite law related TV show was Eli Stone (it got cancelled). It was hilarious to watch Eli go from being a cutthroat lawyer to the guy who steps up to bat for the little guys because of his religious hallucinations.
Joe Teagle T-Th 2pm
I've always really enjoyed to Kill a Mockingbird. Great law related book!
J. P. Walker 2 p.m. TTh media law class-
One of my favorite books that is related to law is Plato's Trial of Socrates. Though it's more often discussed in philosophy class, it made me view law and government in a different perspective. Another book that I also liked was The American Political Tradition: And the Men Who Made it.
The movie I relate to law, but furthermore, to the philosophy of law, is Murder by Numbers. In the film, two high school students murder a women to prove that they are "free." As a philosophy major, this movie really speaks to my understanding of law and ethics. The law is set in place to protect citizens who adhere to a social contract. But every now and again. People emerge who are emotionally and rationally free of the restraints of a social contract. We often call these people sociopaths. This movie shows that even in an intricate web of philosophy and high orders of thinking, the law holds strong.
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