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
(TTh media law class, ITV media law class or 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. In past semesters, the movie I would call my favorite is "Twelve Angry Men" -- the original with Henry Fonda. But last month, I saw Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" and was thoroughly impressed. The movie recounts President Lincoln effort to encourage Congress to pass the Thirteen Amendment, which called for the abolition of slavery. A movie about passing a constitutional amendment? How perfect for a media law prof!
OK. Your turn.
66 comments:
I love Erin Brockovich. I think it's a movie that has the underlying message of girl power, which I love!
Lauren B.
I think one of my favorite law related movies is Lincoln Lawyer. Matthew McCaughney is an awesome in that role. And I love movies with a twist you don't expect!
Blakely Knowles
ITV Class
I love 12 Angry Men,too (the newer version)! But I would have to say my favorite movie relating to law (and I use favorite vaguely since I am NEVER able to have ONE favorite anything) would have to be....A FEW GOOD MEN. I really like this movie because as civilians we do not hear alot about military crimes so much; I believe the military has its own legal system anyhow. Plus the crime itself was scandalous.
My new favorite movie would have to be Django. I thought Quentin Tarantito did a great job setting the scene of the South before the Civil War. My boyfriend made me go see it with him and I thought it would be just another cowboy movie but I was wrong.
Allison Woolsey
TTH Media Law class
My favorite law movie is "A Time to Kill."
It reflects how American courts have the potential to have corrupt and bias juries. Jurors are subject to stereotypes. If the jury is unanimously discriminatory toward minorities, then unjust verdicts can be dealt to the unfortunate.
Having said that, vigilante justice is not the answer when facing corrupted judicial institutions.
Plus, Samuel L. Jackson is awesome!
-TJ Nugent
iTV Class
I really liked the movie "The Help". It had a lot to do with the first amendment with who was able to vote and how African Americans were treated. It was a very heartfelt movie.
TTh Media Law class
I definitely have to agree with you when it comes to how impressive "Lincoln" is. I saw it with a group of friends in the midst of a sea of old army men and everyone in the theater was highly entertained. The scene outside of the saloon with the man reloading his gun is one of the funniest I have ever seen!
Samantha S.
Honors class
I definitely agree with 12 Angry Men, the original. I would classify it as one of my favorite movies of all time.
Another one I would add for discussion sake, and one that people have either never seen or have forgotten about, is A Civil Action. You can't help but root for Schlichtmann (played by John Travolta), and the families he represents throughout the movie. Plus it's one of those suspense thrillers.
John B.
TTh Media Law
I would have to say "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" by Paul Simon is the first thing that comes to mind. The crime is never stated, but those boys broke the law, and mama definitely saw. I'm of the firm opinion that Paul Simon is the right answer to most questions. The man has the voice of an angel at 71!
TTh Class
My new facvorite law related film, and possibly my new favorite film would be Django Unchained. Although exaggerated, because it's Tarantino, I found the film to be very inspiring and so well done!
Patrice C.
T/TR
When I think of a song that directly correlates with anything along the lines of law or the first amendment, I think of "Killing In The Name" by Rage Against The Machine. It delivers a powerful message and it's definitely explicit in the language department. The last part of that song makes me feel like I could flip a car over. Not that I would, that'd be terrible.
One of my all-time favorite novels that pertain to media law is “To Kill a Mocking Bird.” This work, written by Harper Lee, gives a depiction of racial injustice during the early 1900s. I enjoyed the book much better than the movie, and I recommend it to anyone who is interested in reading about social roles during the early 20th century.
Meagan Lavender
TTH Media Law
C, Alissa
TTH Media Law class
Well, the first thing that came to mind was book and movie, "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper lee published in 1960. One of the most widely read novels dealing with racial inequality.
Another great movie, very funny, My Cousin Vinnie, The Young Philadelphians with Paul Newman becoming a young lawyer, and The Pelican Brief, legal crime thriller with Julia Roberts and Denzel Washington.
Television show, "Law and Order"....would that count as one? Don't think I need to explain this one.
Songs were a little harder for me to think of....umm, first thought of the Law and Order theme song, kind of lame though. Even better, "I Fought the Law and the Law Won."
Ashley J.
TTh Media Law
For a book, my favorite would have to be The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Steig Larson. For those who haven't read the book and only seen the movie, you might be confused as to how it has much to do with law. The book gets more in depth about it than the movie. Mikael Blomkvist is an investigative journalist in Sweden and gets arrested for libel after writing an article exposing some powerful and corrupt people in the community. His journalistic credibility is badly damaged after this, along with his reputation, which remains an underlying theme in the book, I think.
As for movies, I'd definitely say V for Vendetta (does that count?), The Pelican Brief, and A Few Good Men.
Nam H.
ITV media law class
One of my favorite shows is Castle, a book author who follows the police around as a consultant to the precinct and as a way for him to get ideas for his books. It is related to the law, I supposed, because it involves the cops in New York. I'm pretty sure they don't follow standard police procedure a lot of the time, so I wouldn't say it is a good example of law..... But I do love the show and I certainly love the show "Firefly," which the character "Castle" was most known for before this show. You see, professor, I am a huge nerd as well.
One afternoon I randomly started watching the movie "The Hurricane" with Denzel Washington. I was definitely touched by the film. The story is about Rubin "Hurricane" Carter, a boxer wrongly imprisoned for murder, and the people who helped fight to prove his innocence. Bob Dylan also sang about it.
I agree with the movies stated above as a few of my favorites, Lincoln and Erin Brockovich. The song "Me and Julio Down By the Schoolyard" by Paul Simon is also a classic.
Katesia F.
TTh Media Law class
My favorite law related book would have to be "The Descendants." I love this book because it proves just how far we can go as people for helping the ones we love. The main character it trying to do what's right for his daughters, but when it comes to his wife's infidelity and the love she had for another man, he is up against the wall.
My favorite law related song would be "Ohio" by Neil Young. I like this song because I like Neil Young and because it was about the Kent State Massacre. The incident at Kent State was a violation of the students rights. They had the right to protest the Vietnam War but I guess the government thought otherwise. The song was written as a protest tune and became a huge hit not only musically but culturally as well.
Many of the movies that were mentioned before me are excellent films. A few more that I would suggest that are my favorites would be "Philadelphia" with Tom Hanks. I liked this movie a lot because it should how discrimination didn't always have to be about color and the choices people make in order to help those in need. Another good one is "A Time to Kill" with Matthew McConaughey and Samuel L. Jackson. This is another favorite of mine because it portrayed a story of man who just wanted justice to be done in town that was plagued with racism.
Marco Baeza
ITV Class
A favorite law movie of mine would definitely be the original 12 Angry Men. It was a really ineresting even though it was mostly set in one room.
Victor B., ITV media law class
I have to say Lincoln Lawyer with Matthew McConaughey was incredible. It is a very long movie but the entire thing is extremely interesting and leaves you wanting to know more. He is a defense attorney that is representing a wealthy Realtor that is accused of raping a prostitute. But when McConaughey looks at the evidence against the client, he learns that this case might be linked to an old case of his! I'll also be a cheese ball and throw in that one of my favorites is of course Legally Blonde! :)
Kaitlyn VanCleave
ITV Media Law Class
One of my favorite law related movie would have to be Philadelphia with Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington. This movie pushed so many boundaries not only about the AIDS epidemic, but also sexual orientation in the work force. It's even more incredible since it's based on a true story.
As a gay man, I am currently denied many rights. I'm not here to bash any opposition to my life but I think that this movie changed many peoples views on what being a gay man in our society truly means.
One of my favorite law- related movies is a documentary that was a huge basis for the new film "Lincoln." I watched the documentary for a film class I took last semester, and it made me realize what an influence Lincoln had in politics, greatly affecting how we live today. More importantly, because the documentary (and susbequently the new film) was based on information that was documented for most of Lincoln's life by his lawyer friend, it is incredibly unbiased. The documentary sheds light on the American version of a "hero," and how Lincoln played a part in that. The documentary is called "History's Mysteries: Lincoln Untold..." and you can watch it on Netflix. Thanks for sharing!
-Marie B
Mon ITV Class
(I have to post this as annonymous because my browser doesn't support the other options.)
P.S. One of my favorite political shows is the Daily Show with Jon Stewart. He's basically my hero. Is anyone else looking forward to him disecting the President's Inaugural Speech given today?
One of my favorite law related movie is Double Jeopardy. I haven't watched this movie in quite awhile. I really like it though. It is very interesting and suspenseful. Now that I am reminded about it I want to go watch it again!
Paige G.
TTH Media Law
My favorite movie related to law is Legally Blonde with Reese Witherspoon. I know it's cheesey, but it's also great! It deals with the controversial second amendment. Elle Woods is defending a woman accused of murder, when in fact it was her step-daughter who committed the crime. Did her step-daughter have the right to bear arms?
Natalie K.
TTH Media Law
Law Library Part 6 is a rap song by an artist out of New York named Papoose. He talks about how different circumstances can lead to a certain charge. I really like this song because I don't usually hear intellectual matters discussed in hip hop. I haven't gotten around to listen to all the other parts but this is a good song that is related to law.
Heres a youtube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ztDtRg4_OY8
My favorite law related movie would have to be The Lincoln Lawyer. I felt intrigued throughout the movie and I feel like McConaughey did a great job portraying the life of some lawyers and how their morals are constantly being tested.
I don't watch a lot of law movies... unless you count movies that involve breaking the law. Other than that... not really. I'm taking this law in terms of courtroom style. A Few Good Men is really the only movie I can think of. I saw it recently and was blown away because I thought would have been boring. But I loved how Tom Cruise's character almost manipulates Jack Nicholson into... well don't want to give it away.
Gabe Garza
PS- I love movies, so props to you for starting off this blog like this.
Hi, I'm Rachel Dickson
My favorite law-related movie is probably Legally Blonde. It sounds cheesy, but it's really funny, and it's a good story.
My favorite movie relating to Law would be Django Unchained.The idea of sitting still for 3 hours makes me cringe but I actually saw the movie twice, it was great. Tarentino is a brilliant director and was able to show slavery in an enjoyable manner if you will.
Madison G. TTH
John G. T/TH Media Law
My favorite film involving the topic of law is V for Vendetta. This movie delves into a government's suppression of free speech, free press, and even touches on the topic of freedom of religion. The film's vigilante known simply as V famously asserts that "People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people." This quote is powerful and gives some indication to the nature of constitutionality and the role of the government.
Brittany M.
Media Law ITV
My favorite tv show having to do with law is 48 Hours: Hard Evidence. The show follows detectives as they go through the many stages of a murder case. Suspects are interviewed and taken into custody. The show follows the case all the way to the trial and conviction. I enjoy this type of show because of all the background information they provide. What was the motive? Was there anyone else involved? Who suspected this crime would be possible of the suspect? What happened to the suspect that made them snap? I find myself pulled into the show as the story unravels. My favorite part is when the person in question finally gets the conviction they deserve.
I love the US tv show "Suites" about a genius college drop out who ends up working for one of New York Cities top lawyers. The show offers a unique insight into the world of a law firm - including the motivations and intentions of the lawyers playing the cards in lawsuits and their relationships with the defendants.
So I see that someone else also mentioned Stieg Larsson's famous Swedish trilogy, and I completely agree.
I absolutely love that series, and it's all about a Swedish journalist who gets accused of libel and the murder mystery that unravels post the career-ending trial. It's a really great example of how libel can ruin a career in the media and how to come back from it! (Of course you'd have to expose a serial killer and some mafia members to do so, but, details.)
You would love it, Gilbert, it's a great read.
- Alexa Perez
I couldn't pick just one thing, much less remember any law-related media I've seen recently. However, I'm very fond of hip hop (80's & 90's, mostly) and although almost all of it is either directly or indirectly related to the criminal justice system and law I figured why not choose one of my all time favorite films to encompass the genre I enjoy so much.
The documentary is called "Planet Rock: The Story of Hip Hop and The Crack Generation" (it's by VH1 and you can definitely find it on google. I recommend it to anyone with a love for hip hop or interest in relatively recent Black culture). It touches on the multi-faceted culmination of hip hop and its origins. Not only does it discuss the relationship between the genre and the genesis of crack cocaine in the U.S., it also ties in the economic and societal struggles of Blacks in the 80's and 90's stemming from social stigmas and how hip hop became an outlet for the many who were trapped in racially dehumanizing poverty and the biases of our society (not that these aren't still a problem for many in several ways today).
It's good insight on today's "rap" culture and how it has evolved from hip hop, some major social injustices of the late 20th century, a hint of internal police corruption, and [obviously] the manifestation of the real art of hip hop and the emotions/experiences behind it.
Sandra Cervantes
T/TH Law & Ethics
I don't know that I would say this is my favorite movie related to law of all time, but it is certainly the most recent and quite controversial. I recently watched a movie on Lifetime called "Prosecuting Casey Anthony" about the trial against her in regard to the disappearance and death of her young daughter, Caylee. When this trial first took place in 2008, the public opinion weighed heavily in favor of a guilty verdict. I remember sitting around talking about it in classes and with family. The movie gave insight as to why the jury did not agree with the public enough to give Casey the death penalty. This trial relates heavily to reasonable doubt. One juror in particular stood out because she said that the prosecution did not do a good enough job convincing her that Casey was to blame for Caylee's death. She mentioned that to vote in favor of Casey's guilt without enough proof would make her just a guilty of murder as Casey. In my opinion, the biggest mistake the prosecution made was to seek the death penalty. The evidence simply did not conclude without reasonable doubt that Casey was responsible for Caylee's death.
Rachel Welch
T/TH Law and Ethics
My favorite TV show related to law is "The West Wing". I watched the show when it originally aired on NBC and recently watched it in its entirety on Netflix. I am not into politics, law, or history, but the show is entertaining enough to keep me interested while educating me about the politics of law. I recommend it to anyone who likes intelligent and witty screenwriting. Scandal on ABC is also good, but I think it's more about entertainment than what actually goes on in DC.
Stephanie L
ITV Media Law (RR)
Marcelo Mayen TTH 12:30
I like "The Dark Knight." It took the superhero genre to a whole new level by brilliantly depicting the gritty realism of a city lost in crime and corruption. It raises many ethical issues--in a city so corrupt, is it okay for Batman to operate outside of the law in order to do good? Can a masked vigilante be the symbol of hope for a fallen city?
There are other moral issues brought up in "The Dark Knight." It's a great movie with an awesome cast. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it.
I recently watched the movie "Dead Man Walking." It gave a different perspective to the death penalty. It's about a man on death row, how he feels, and how the public feels about his alleged crimes. This movie was not completely about the law, but this film can change the idea of someone for or against this punishment. The movie is a true story which definitely caught my attention, as well.
Ila Mar
T/Th Media Law 12:30
I would have to agree with the professor on the original version of "Twelve Angry Men". I first saw the movie when I was in high school and thought it was amazing. The banter back and forth and how they attempted to recreate events discussed in the court room was really intense. I also love the way the characters really develop as you get to know them even though they never leave the deliberation room. Great movie!
Allison L ITV media law
My favorite law related movie would have to be Erin Brockovich because I am thoroughly interested in environmental activism and enjoyed seeing what Brochovich actually had to go through for a cause she believed in. Also, who doesn't love Julia Roberts?
-Elizabeth B
(TTH Media Law class)
I would have to say one of my favorite law movies would be Law Abiding Citizen with Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler. The movie portrays how the definition of justice isn't always the same inside the courts and with the public. The movie itself is so intense! I can watch it any day & still be just as interested as when I first saw the movie.
-Christina Luna
TTH Media Law Class
One of my favorite movies is American Violet. It is about a woman who gets accused of selling drugs by a racist DA, which had been happening to several African Americans for years. She ends up partnering with two lawyers and suing the head of the DA.
In the movie, you get to see the different parts of a lawsuit and how different laws came into play in her situation. Based on a true story.
Great movie!
Christine Bernhard
T/TH Media Law
I would have to say my favorite law related media would be Law & Order: SVU. I have always found law interesting and I find the court room scenes most intriguing. I know they may not uphold the true justice of the law and are exaggerated for television but I will always love this show.
- Meghan Rubio
I forgot all about "Twelve Angry Men" until you mentioned it but I had to watch in one of my History classes in high school and I found myself hooked on the movie. It was the perfect example of the things we talk about in class. The jury had to sit in a room for hours and actually dissect the words of the law to make a fair decision. This movie showed just how hard that can be.
Taylor Henderson
I'm not into law all that much, however, one film that did grab my attention was "The Social Network", the movie about how Facebook got to where its at and the legality behind its creation. This film is one of the front runners of law cases that speaks about one subject that is new in our millennium: social media. I believe there will be more films like these as time progresses into our technological-advanced society.
My favorite law related movie is "The Lincoln Lawyer". I love the scandel and excitement that this movie creates. This movie portrays that lawyers aren't always about making their client not guilty, but about seeking Justice.
Shelbi Rodriguez.
T/Th Media Law
One of my favorite movies involving the law is the classic "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington." The movie is a loose representation of how Senators are chosen and how a bill can get started.
Jenny Sessions
T/TH Media Law
My favorite movie of all time is the Lincoln Lawyer. The lead actor Matthew McConaughey does a fabulous job showing that justice will always (hopefully) prevail. The ending is unpredictable, I never saw it coming. The movie also shows some of the flaws of the justice system. Awesome movie!!!!
Kelsey Kotzur
T/TH Media LAw
My favorite movie relating to law would have to be Law Abiding Citizen with Gerard Butler and Jamie Foxx. I like the scene when Foxx is interrogating Butler about murdering one of the men who killed his wife and child. Butler tiptoes around the answers and uses words that might "suggest" he killed the man but he never "admitted" it. It is a good example of how flimsy (or concrete, depending on how you look at it) the judicial system is. You can have all the circumstantial evidence you need to lock someone up but a simple technicality can allow a murderer to walk.
ClaytonR: TR Media Law
I have to favorite law movies though one is more concerned with journalism. The first one would have the Pelican Brief. I really enjoyed how government corruption was depicted with the murder of two supreme court justices. I loved how suspenseful and how the law student was in charge of finding everything out. I also love All The Presidents Men, it is amazing to see how Woodward and Bernstein investigated such a dark time in American history and especially the dealings with Mark Felt. Definitely one of the reasons why I am in media.
-Stephania Lara T/TH Media Law 12:30
My favorite book concerning law/government would have to be George Orwell's novel "1984". I love how Orwell paints a distorted picture of government, within the Oceanian province the political system persecuted any citizens showing individuality. This complete censorship on freedom of speech seemed so fascinating to me because we are all citizens in a country where speech is a freedom so carefully protected and treasured.
Laura Villalobos, Honors
Will Oliason
M 2-5
My favorite law related movie is "A Few Good Men". I like it because it reminds me that I can't handle the truth.
My favorite law movie is Erin Brockovich with Julia Roberts. I like this movie because Brockovich is not really a lawyer she just works for one as a file clerk. Yet she sets out to investigate about the Pacific Gas and Electric cases that have resulted in the sickness or Hinkley, California residents. The chromium in the town water is causing the residents to get tumors and other illnesses which motivate Brockovich to persuade her boss to go before a judge with all the evidence she gathered to fight the case in defense of the Hinkley town’s people. Erin Brockovich’s character is fun, determined, and is also a mother who is struggling financially yet she finds a way to manage it all. The movie is interesting and entertaining.
Pete G. ITV Media Law.
I really enjoyed To Kill A Mockingbird. While the entire story didn't center on law it was a very big part of the story. It was great because Atticus Finch did the right thing by defending a black man accused of raping a woman. It was great to see a man who believed in the law and justice as a reason to defend. Not for glory.
One of my favorite movies is Liar Liar. Although it is a comedy Jim Carry plays an awesome lawyer who is a great liar (just like every lawyer) and is forced to tell the truth for one day because of his son's birthday wish. This movie is hilarious and shows how great lawyers are at lying!
TTH Media Law
"A Time To Kill" with Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, and Samuel L. Jackson to name a few...
I know this is a civil rights type of movie but I cannot help think about the lack of free speech because people are fearful of others.
Sometimes doing the right thing is hard and you wouldn't necessarily think it would be.
I'm not sure what happened, but I commented at the beginning of the semester and I guess it didn't actually post!
This is not necessarily a movie, but I enjoy watching medical shows like Grey's Anatomy and House and like being able to see and understand the different aspects of law they are talking about. I am a healthcare administration minor and I took healthcare law last semester, so it was great getting to understand what they were talking about instead of not really being invested.
My favorite law related movies is "Double Jeopardy" starring Ashley Judd. The film is about how Ashley Judd's husband frames her for his fake murder, and when she gets released from prison she sets out on really killing him, because a person can't be charged twice for the same crime. It's crazy and filled with so many twists and turns. I love it.
Jonathan Hoffman Monday, Media Law 2-4:50
Vanessa R.
T/TH 12:30-1:50pm
I quite enjoy V for Vendetta. With the rules of the fascist regime , the concentration camps and the corruption of the secret police you ultimately learn the lack of freedom of speech , press and religion because of government suppression. Roles of totalitarianism, revolutionaries, and government are expressed.
I also enjoy 1984. Explains the political system of English socialism. Also follows the role of persecuting individualism, independent thinking, personality all for the elite party’s idea of the “greater good.” Another portrayal of a somewhat totalitarian state.
Hands Down, Has to be Liar Liar
I absolutely love Twelve Angry Men. I also love Legally Blonde and honestly aspired to be a lawyer for a few years after watching that film.
My favorite movie related to law is PHILADELPHIA. I saw the movie shortly after someone I knew had died of HIV/AIDS so it really hit kind of close to home. There are many things about the movie that I enjoy, but most of all it's that Tom Hanks' charcter is determined to seek justice, even when he is fast approaching death. Very courageous and worth emulating.
Jose G.
ITV Class
My favorite law related movie Legally Blonde 2.
First of all it shows us blondes in a better light! But I like the second one because it shows how we, the people, have to keep our government in check. As time goes on, views and expectations change, and the law needs to evolve with the people. In order for laws to be added, removed or changed, some brave person has to inspire that change. We must always remember that.
Kerri Driver
TTH 12:30
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