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 your class (MW, or 11 a.m. TTh, or 2 p.m. TTh). 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 fall,
I saw Steven Spielberg's "Lincoln" and was thoroughly impressed. The
movie recounts President Lincoln's 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.
81 comments:
My favorite show is Breaking Bad and an instance in which the law comes into place is when Hank, a DEA agent, attempts to search an RV looking for drugs but is rebuffed due to a claim against illegal searches without a warrant. Jesse (the owner of the RV) says from inside the RV that Hank can not enter due it being his domicile and not just a vehicle. This argument sheds light on the Fourth Amendment which prohibits "unreasonable searches and seizures."
-Frank M. (MW 3:30)
My favorite television program is AMC's Breaking Bad. The wildly popular show is filmed on location in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Due to an increase in tourism and economic activity generated from the series New Mexico has introduced a new incentive dubbed "The Breaking Bad Bill." The bill will increase subsidies and offer a 25 percent tax refund for films and TV productions shot in the state. Here's a link to the story:
http://articles.latimes.com/2013/aug/07/business/la-fi-ct-onlocation-breaking-bad20130807
-David J. (MW 3:30)
My favorite movie/musical related to law is Chicago. It was very interesting to watch these women and their attorney go through very high profile murder trials. The attorney, Flynn, was a sleazeball character that would be opposite to the attorney I would want. I thought it was a great twist on a classic murder mystery movie.
-Anna H. (MW 3:30)
My favorite movie is the recent Lee Daniels: The Butler. This was a fantastic film centered around the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s. The movie follows a young boy fighting for equality in the Freedom Riders, and his father who is a butler in the white house. It references specifically the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
-Lacey V. (TTh 11:00)
I also loved the movie "Lincoln," but I think my favorite show that I've seen lately is "Orange is The New Black." This is a show centered around a woman who made some bad decisions in college and ended up going to prison for them 10 years after she'd set her life straight.
I like it because I can relate with the fact that she is so helpless, and I imagine that I'd be helpless too if I were in her situation.
- Cori B. (TTh 2PM)
One of my favorite movies is "Blow," a movie based on the life of George Jung. George Jung was a drug dealer and smuggler during the 1960's-1970's. In 1974 Jung was caught with over 600 pounds of cannabis and sent to prison. His release date is set for November 27, 2014. I enjoy this movie because one of my favorite actors, Johnny Depp, portrays Jung and I enjoy the culture of the 1960's-70's.
-Danielle H (TTH 11:00)
My favorite movie dealing with the law is The Social Network. A film written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by David Fincher, The Social Network depicts the founding of Facebook and the lawsuits brought up against Mark Zuckerberg afterward. The Winklevoss twins sue Zuckerberg because he stole their "intellectual property" and Eduardo Saverin sues Zuckerberg for squeezing him out of the company. I think the movie is clever, the cinematography is incredible and the soundtrack is beautiful.
- Kaitlin S. (TTh 2 p.m.)
My favorite movie related to law is "A Few Good Men." My favorite part is when they are in court and Tom Cruise is trying to crack Jack Nicholson, "...You can't handle the truth!" Classic! This relates to the law because although the Colonel ordered the "code red" which was murder and although the Lieutenants were just fallowing orders it was brought to court.
My favorite movie that has to do with law would have to be Law Abiding Citizen. Not only am I a huge Gerard Butler fan, but I also love the concept of the film. The loving and innocent father going through the tragedy of losing his wife and daughter to a brutal murder and then working the system in order to get revenge really opened up my eyes to just how corrupt our government's laws can be.
The AE show Sons of Anarchy captured my attention from the moment I watched the pilot episode on Netflix. Sons of Anarchy is about a biker gang who puts the justice system into the hands of its members; defying the government court system. From the cliffhanger endings, to the drama and love triangles, this show has every ingredient of my ideal television series.
- Brooke B (T/TH 11:00)
"Philadelphia" is one of my all time favorites! It's a movie about a gay lawyer who gets fired by a law firm for having AIDS. He decides to sue the law firm and the only legal representation he can find is a homophobic lawyer. Tom Hanks and Denzel Washington do an amazing job portraying the incredibly frustrating social issues of the time.
Jenan D. (MW 3:30)
"Same Love" by Macklemore is one of my favorite songs. I think it sheds a new light on the sometimes touchy subject of the same-sex marriage debate going on throughout the US. He's able to raise awareness on the topic and voice his opinion, while not coming off as too brash. I believe Macklemore addresses the same-sex marriage idea in such a unique and respectful way through this song, and with it being such a prominent issue in today's society, I find it refreshing to hear it covered in such an uplifting way.
Sara G. (TTR 2p.m.)
A favorite book/movie that deals with the law is To Kill A Mockingbird. It is a story about prejudice, racism and injustice in the segregated South in the 30s. Atticus Finch is a white lawyer who is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, a black man accused of raping a white woman. As the story progresses we learn about the evils of prejudice and ignorance and how they pervert the law and order, especially seen in the court scenes. I like this story because it has a great message and makes you consider your own prejudices, as small as they may be.
Divya D. T/TH 11:00
My favorite television show that deals with the law would have to be Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Law & Order is a drama, set in New York City, with different cases that detectives of the police department have to solve or investigate. I love how the show keeps me on my feet, guessing what will happen next. Mariska Hargitay, who plays detective Olivia Benson, is my favorite character on the show.
Amy P (T/TH @ 11 am)
One of my favorite television shows is Game of Thrones. Rulers throughout the country struggle to obtain hierarchy over all others. The subject of law in this show is very different to what we know our law to be today. The lords and especially kings may keep common laws or rules that the citizens must abide by. However, any power-hungry ruler may change the rules to his/her benefit whenever they like.
Victoria L. (T/Th at 2:00)
My favorite television shows right now are Breaking Bad, Walking Dead and Game of Thrones. All three kind of tie in with law. I see people have already elaborated on Breaking Bad and Thrones so I'll talk a little bit about Walking Dead. In case you don't know, in the show the world has been plagued with a deadly virus in which everyone is infected. Basically, if you die you will come back to life as a "zombie." Whole towns and cities have been destroyed and the survivors must establish rules and leadership within their groups which proves to be a constant struggle.
Stephen M. (T/Th 2:00)
I'm also a Breaking Bad Fan and, my favorite fictional character is Saul Goodman: the criminal lawyer for Walter and Jesse, the main characters of the story. I like him because he finds legal loopholes in everything and negotiates in shady deals on the behalf of his clients. Although Goodman does seem to honor the ethics of his job, he's still a shady character and I think it makes the show better. How does this relate to law? I only wonder if some lawyers are like this guy, using his knowledge and master of Law so he can to look out for himself and his clients.
Here is a link of his low-budget commercials!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqnHtGgVAUE
Sergio G (T/TH 2:00)
My favorite show dealing with the law would have to be NCIS. It not only has humor and action but it deals with scenarios that I think are actually real. The way they handle their cases and subjects seems true to real life. Where as CSI on the other hand seems like some of its stories or techniques are quite far fetched. I can sit and watch NCIS marathons all day long and never get bored. Gibbs, Tony, Mcgee, and Zeeba are all interesting Federal agents that go after cases that deal with the navy or marines, and the show basically keeps my attention for hours.
One of my favorite movies pertaining to law would have to be Primal Fear. On top of being an Ed Norton fanatic, I like the "courtroom drama" that is illustrated throughout the entire film. I enjoyed Richard Gere's role in Primal Fear. Innocence and guilt mean very little to him, all he is concerned about is winning, and receiving some attention from the media. It makes me curious to know if defense attorneys are really like that.
Shelby B. 11 a.m. TTh
I would have to say my favorite show pertaining to law would be any version of COPS. Not only because the theme song is catchy, but it displays what law officials deal with on a daily basis. Granted, a majority may be altered to achieve media standards; however, it strives to be close enough. I mean it's more of a reality show than duck dynasty. I would like to sit-in on a filming of this show and see how close to reality they actually get.
Andrew G. 2 p.m. T/TH
Leah K.
My favorite law movie is, "A Few Good Men." If you haven't seen this movie, it is about the court martial of two U.S. Marines charged with the murder of a fellow Marine and the tribulations of their lawyer, Tom Cruise, as he prepares a case to defend his clients. I love to watch this movie anytime!
My favorite movie that has to do with the law is "Philadelphia" with Tom Hanks. I had always heard how good that movie was, and I was really moved by it. I recommend it to everyone!
Kaleigh K.
TTH 11am
I also really love Law and Order: Special Victims Unit. You could say it is my guilty pleasure. I know it's super cheesy, but that won't stop me from watching it for hours and hours on Netflix or when there is a marathon on. The New York detectives investigate a new rape, assault or other type of case every episode, which makes it interesting.
I thought of "The Boondock Saints" which I watched on TV earlier this week. The protagonists kill two Russian Mafia members in self-defense. The movie brings up the topic of murdering criminals.
Mindy Green 11am TTH
Alexandra H.
MW 3:30 p.m.
I recently finished watching the Netflix original show "Orange is the New Black" and enjoyed it. The show focuses on a women's prison is upstate New York. What I enjoyed the most were the back stories on how each prisoner got there. The stories provided an interesting look at how the legal system works and didn't shy away from focusing on issues of race, gender and sexuality.
Lindsay S.
TTH 2 p.m.
My favorite TV show dealing with the law would have to be Criminal Minds. Though it is very dark, it is also fascinating to watch how they catch serial killers and dig into how their minds work.
Brittany A.
TTH 11 a.m.
My favorite show relating to law is Criminal Minds. I love that they get into the heads of the criminal characters, and decipher why those crimes were committed. It is also very philosophical at times, which I appreciate!
My favorite television show relating to the law would have to be Law and Order SVU. The way the detectives uncover the facts and bring them to the courtroom is very interesting and exciting. A couple of movies I love regarding the law are Erin Brockovich and Enough.
Amber L.
M-W 3:30
My favorite TV shows that relate to law would be Breaking Bad, Orange is the New Black, and Dexter. Since the first two have previously been explained, I'll talk about Dexter. It's about a man, Dexter, who is a blood splatter analysist in Miami, but in his spare time he kills serial killers. It brings up an interesting ethical debate of whether he is helping clean up the streets of Miami, or no better than the people he kills. Also, I think the fact that his sister is a Miami cop, and he works with her and other officers adds another legal aspect to the show.
My favorite movie that involves law would have to be Recount. It is such a compelling movie, I was glued to the television. I would say the reason why it's my favorite is because of the Supreme Court ultimately deciding the 2000 presidential election. Of course, the fact of human error vs. machine error was quite a scandal itself. I believe the 2000 presidential election will be talked about for decades to come.
-Olivia G.
TTH 2:00pm
My favorite TV show that is related to law is Lie to Me. I like it because it focuses on microexpressions to tell if someone is lying. Dr. Cal Lightman and The Lightman Group are often employed by local and federal law enforcement to discover the truth.
~Desiree S.
TTh 2:00 p.m.
One of my favorite movies involving law is My Cousin Vinny (1992).
Unlike A Few Good Men and A Time to Kill, My Cousin Vinny is a comedy rather than a drama.
It tells the story of two NYU students who travel through Alabama and are caught up in a murder investigation as the primary suspects. Brooklyn attorney Vincent Gambini (Joe Pesci), cousin to one of the accused, travels down south to defend the two students.
What I love most about this movie, other than it being hilarious, is its demonstration of rushing to judgment. How only the "right" questions are asked, instead of all the questions. The film also shows how looks can be deceptive. None of the locals initially expect much of Pesci's character, but they all learn a thing or two about appearances by the end.
This is a great film, not just for lovers of the law/crime genre, but comedy fans as well.
I'll close with Pesci's opening statement at the trial, also one of the best I've ever heard.
(Referring to the D.A.)
"Everything that guy just said is bullshit. Thank you."
- Glen T.
TTH 2:00 p.m.
My favorite book turned into a movie that deals with law, is Battle Royale by Koushun Takami.
In this fictional story, the kids are set to kill each other in this "government research project" because the government wants to scare all of it's citizens in to not protesting against them. Tracking devices are placed on the students and some would say that it correlates to being tracked by the government in general. I also like how the main characters of the story are teens because you already know that as teenagers most people don't like authority and would possibly want to change how the world works. This book also brings up a LOT of morality issues, with kids having to kill kids just for the sake of the government.
It was just a page-turner and even though it was eerie, I enjoyed being scared into a authoritative world that could possibly, one day be our own.
-Alex C
TTh 2 p.m.
I like watching a lot of crime shows, but one I just recently got into is Perception. I like watching the crimes get solved, and in some cases you see how they are dealt with in the court. However, it also brings into play how the mind works and how it can affect people's actions. Along with enjoying seeing the capabilities of the mind, it's interesting to see how a mental diagnosis of any sort can completely change how someone looks at the law or how someone might go about handling the trial.
-Julianna H.
MW 3:30 p.m.
My favorite law-related film would have to be Kramer vs. Kramer. I know it isn't THAT heavily based in law but it is the first film I can recall seeing that dealt heavily with the issue. It also struck a chord with me because my parents divorced when I was 2 years old, so custody battles are something I've had to deal with for the majority of my life.
-Marissa L.
T/TR 2:00 P.M.
I really enjoyed a documentary called The Loving Story. Its about a interracial couple from Virginia whom, with the help of a couple of lawyers from the ALCU, overturned anti-miscegenation laws in every state via the Supreme Court decision (Loving v. Virgina, 1967). I found it interesting to me because my parents (whom are also an interracial couple) began dating just 9 years after this case settled, so I have a special appreciation for Richard and Mildred Loving.
I also really love anything that has to do with Big Brother government like 1984, Battle Royale, and The Hunger Games. I mean, who doesn't have some lingering conspiracy theories in the back of their mind?!
Destiny B. (TTH 2pm)
My favorite show relating to law is actually a Korean drama called I Hear Your Voice. I really enjoyed this show because I was able to have an insight to the South Korean justice system. Also, the main character was a public attorney and it was interesting to see how she would handle the cases.
June L. (TTH 2pm)
One of my favorite movies that relates to law is Law Abiding Citizen. The first time I saw this movie, I was in complete shock because even though it was just a movie I know this type of thing happens all the time. When the prosecutor didn't want to take a chance on lowering his high conviction rate and makes a deal with one of the killers, I was disgusted. The character played by Gerard Butler decides to take matters into his hands, which I'm sure people can relate to. People feel like they have no power or control and when they leave it up to the justice system it doesn't always work out the way they hoped it would. Our government and laws can be so corrupt at times. I just hate when it hurts those who have already suffered enough and just want justice for their loved ones.
One of my new favorite law shows this year would have to be the ABC show Scandal, with Kerry Washington and created by Shonda Rhimes. The story line is about Olivia, a White House Communications Director, who leaves to start her own crisis management firm after she has an affair with the President of the United States. The show is definitely scandalous, and it also shows a lot of behind the scenes rumors of the government being shady and how people in power can get away with pretty much anything. The law doesn't always cover everyone, especially those on the top of the totem pole.
Kayla U (TTH 2 pm)
My favorite TV shows related to law are Criminal Minds and The West Wing. Criminal minds follows a team of FBI profilers solving crimes. I like that the show really gets into the mind of what the unsub or unsubs may be thinking. The West Wing was a show that followed the president of the US and his staff in the west wing. It showed how the staff and the president dealt with many different political issues.
Jennifer U.
(TTH 11)
My favorite movie related to law is "My Cousin Vinny." First, because it's hilarious and Marisa Tomei's character is awesome. But I also like how, even though they discredit Vinny the entire movie and he has to adapt to a completely new environment, being a Brooklyn man stuck in the south, he overcomes all of that and wins the case in a slightly far-fetched, but interesting way.
Morgan L
TTH 11
My favorite show related to law would have to be Weeds. It's about a mother whose husband dies and she deals marijuana to keep living the the upperclass lifestyle and raise a family. She gets involved with the cartel, goes to prison, and has countless other struggles. I think Mary-Louise Parker is a great actress for the show.
James W.
--------
TTH 2 p.m.
One of my favortie shows is Dexter. He is a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Homicide and he's a serial killer. He only kills people who "deserve" it. It's so interesting because he goes into the background of the people he is going to kill and they are very bad people. Dexter often kills the murders that the police can't throw in jail because of evidence being thrown out or not enough proof.
Katie Sarkhosh
T/TH 11 a.m.
I've always enjoyed the movie "A Time to Kill." Though it's been a while since I've sat down and watched it, I remember the amazing amount of satisfaction I felt when Sam Jackson's character took the matter of justice into his own hands, even though it was essentially wrong to do so. Joel Schumacher did such a great job transferring to the screen the horrible things done to the 10-year old girl. It was incredibly disturbing. What a cast, too! Kevin Spacey is so great at being evil.
Yolanda Arroyo
T/TH 2P.M.
I enjoyed Steven Spielberg's movie "Catch Me If You Can" where Leonardo DiCaprio's character poses as a pilot and is a con artist by the time he is 19, then he eventually helps the FBI find other check forgers. I also enjoy Law and Order (Special Victims Unit) because a lot of the times it is unpredictable and the stories are very interesting. I also loved reading the play "12 Angry Jurors" in High school because it showed how people can change their opinions on a case so quickly, or how some choose to stick with what they believed in the first place.
I am not much of a book reader, but I do enjoy reading novels by John Grisham. He has written numerous books in the legal settings. One of them that I have come to enjoy themost would have to be his novel, "The Client". This is a story of how un-imagining truth that the life of a lawyer can be when their clients have done terrible things in the past, while still having the ability to do terrible things in the present, even to the ones that are there to help. The parallels of separate lives that come together because two young boys become an unintended witness to a crime and their lives end up being changed forever.
In a philosophy class my freshman year of college we watched the documentary, The Corporation. The Corporation touches on many aspects of how large corporations have an extreme amount of influence (legally and culturally) on society, people, other corporations and companies, and how the corporation is legally viewed as a “person.” But the aspect of the film I found most interesting was the control corporations have over the media. One case study in the film showed two reporters for a broadcast news station working on a story about how a dairy farm had put so many chemicals into their cows that the milk from those cows were making consumers very ill. The reporters wanted to run this story and had done a lot of in depth research and uncovering, but the corporation that owned the milk company also had their hands in the news station. The news station then told the reporters to take facts out of their story or it would not run. When the reporters did not agree, the news station threatened to fire them. The reporters still would not abandon their journalistic integrity to alter the truthful story and they were fired from the station. This brings up the topic of free speech. It is unethical when someone tells you to “toned down” or hide the facts of a story because they don’t want to get into legal trouble, but it is especially wrong when the news station a reporter is working for tells them to lie or be fired.
-Nicole B. MW 3:30 p.m.
To Kill a Mockingbird is one of my favorite law related movies because it shows how a lawyer (who is, as most lawyers at the time, a white man) protects a black man from getting charged with a crime that he didn’t do. This was significant in the 30s, which is the time period for this movie, as effective defense of a black person accused of a crime was a rare occurrence. This movie shows not only a historical impact, but also how courts were more biased toward non-majority others. This also demonstrated the 6th amendment’s intent to give all people the right to have a trial by jury; in the movie they wanted to hang him automatically without giving him a fair trial.
Jeffrey S. (TTH 11 AM)
My favorite movie concerning law would be 1776. I love the scene where all the founding fathers sat in a room and discussed America's future. It's pretty powerful.
My favorite show is House of Cards. I cannot wait for the second season of this amazing Netflix series. The show zooms in on the lives of politicians in Washington, the scandals they're involved in and the journalism behind it all. I highly recommend House of Cards!
Chelsey McGee (TTH 2pm)
While it is extremely difficult for me to choose a favorite movie/book etc, one of my all-time favorite movies is The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo. It's a dark one, but I love David Fincher and the movie is very well done. The film centers around a reporter and a rather sneaky investigator who team up to catch a serial murderer of women. While the topic of murder is definitely a subject involving many legal matters, the main characters themselves bring about the issues of ethics. The investigator hacks into computers to find out all the information she needs to investigate someone, and that brings up another quandary entirely. Is it ethical to abridge someone's privacy if it benefits the greater good?
Anyways, I highly recommend this movie (specifically for Daniel Craig) and I think anyone who loves thrillers, plot twists and great cinematography would dig this film.
Anna Strickland (TTH 11 a.m.)
Besides my favorite crime shows like The Mentalist and Criminal Minds which are amazing at showing how to get into the minds of criminals and profile them to know their next movements. These shows also deal with the legal aspect of catching them such as not bringing in a suspect until they have probable cause or not being able to hold them for lack of sufficient evidence. Breaking Bad is another awesome show but one of my favorite movies that can also make me sick at the same time is Law Abiding Citizen.
It shows (my own personal opinion not trying to offend anyone) that while I think we as a nation have a "legal system", I don't fully believe we have a "justice system".
I don't think it's right how in the movie the head lawyer who is played by Jamie Foxx cuts deal with a man who helped murder a mother and her child. Where I understand sometimes deals are cut to put away another person or use someone for information, how is that justice. If someone ever harmed someone I care about and then get let off...I wouldn't have much faith in the law either.
Lauren Kurie (T/TH 2:00)
My favorite show right now is HBO's The Newsroom. It's an incredibly intriguing show that's based on a television news team on the ACN network, where you get to see how a team like that takes on real news stories. They cover stories like the George Zimmerman, Trayvon Martin case, the finding of Osama Bin Laden, Occupy Wall Street, etc. In the new season, they cover a fictional story (fictional to us viewers) about the U.S. using chemical weapons (sarin gas) in Syria, which coincidentally sounds a bit familiar right now. Obviously not that the U.S. used chemical weapons, but the fact that both parties and the same weapon are an issue at the moment makes this show even more interesting at the moment. This show deals with a lot of 1st amendment situations and a lot of politics, and that's what makes it relevant to this class.
Over the summer I watched a movie called The Manson Family, based on the story of Charles Manson. It follows Manson through all of the murders he acted as an accomplice in. Normally, I am into watching really creepy, dark stuff, but this BY FAR is one of the sickest movies I have ever seen.
Vincent Bugliosi was the Los Angeles prosecutor who came up with the "Helter Skelter" theory, which successfully convicted Manson and others of 7 murder charges. Manson was charged with life imprisonment by the State of California. Bugliosi actually co-wrote the book, Helter Skelter, in which the movie was based off of.
Fun Fact: Bugliosi is also the author of the bestselling book, Outrage, on the acquittal of O.J. Simpson.
Viewer Discretion Advised.
One of my favorite TV shows that relates to the law is "Weeds." The show is about a mother (and family) that does a whole bunch of crazy illegal things, but starts out selling cannabis to support her family after her husband dies. It is one of my favorites, because it was really well written. The show sort of sucks you in and always leaves you wanting to know more.
Hannah A. MW 3:30
(Kayla, B. 2 p.m. TTh)
One of my favorite books is 1984 by George Orwell. The story is about a man named Winston who lives in a society ruled completely by the government, otherwise known as "Big Brother". "Big Brother" is constantly monitoring each and every person in Oceania. The people's history, language, jobs and everything else is controlled completely by the Party. No one is allowed to have rebellious thoughts or go against the Party in any way. But Winston suffers from curiosity. He feels this is not how one is supposed to live. The communistic rule offers no freedom or justice. It is the opposite of what America has to offer, democracy and the right of the people, not the government.
I'd have to say that COPS has to be may favorite show relating to the law. The officers are faced with many infractions against the law and the the program shows how that they deal with them. It is very interesting to watch and I learned a lot about different laws from watching this show. Not only is the show entertaining but it's not staged so you get a sense of realism. I now know more about which offenses are felonies and which are misdemeanors and what can result if convicted. I have also heard the memorandum rights read over and over so I am familiar with them and that the police officer has to read them to you once being arrested. The police officers are the enforcers of the law and gives the audience insight to what could result if you break the law. You learn a lot about police behavior and how challenging their job can be.
Ashley D MW 330
My favorite television show is Suits. It is about a college dropout that gets hired by a law firm. It's kept secret that he never graduated from college, because it is illegal to practice law without a law degree. The show always has a new case to handle and it's interesting to see what goes on at the law firm and in court rooms. Also, it can be surprising when you find out which cases will win because there are so many loop holes with the law.
My favorite movie growing up was Legally Blonde. I ultimately wanted to be Elle Woods. My dream job was to become a lawyer and until my second year of college did I decide to pursue another path. I understood that it would take intense hours and I would need to love learning the law. Updating yourself on current events and new laws passed is essential in being a successful lawyer.
A new television show that I finally gave into is Scandal. This show is known as an "American political thriller series" that stars Kerry Washington. I'm sure you've heard all the hype about this show, but it's really good.
I just started on the FIRST season not too long ago so I have a ways to go. The show focuses on the character Olivia Pope's firm as well as the staff at the White house. Olivia Pope and her associates fight for the reputations and sometimes lives of their clients, but at the same time Olivia has a little scandal going on herself with the President.
Tiana Lee
TTH 11-12:20
This is easy. I love Law and Order SVU. Something about it is so gripping, and you can't help but root for the side of the law.
A Marquez
TTH 2pm
My favorite law movie is probably A Few Good Men with Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson. I always get chills from that "You can't handle the truth!" scene. There's also Law Abiding Citizen which I really like. It has Gerard Butler in it and Jamie Foxx. The plot is one of betrayal and is pretty complicated, but the way it all comes together is perfect and makes you really feel for the antagonist, and almost makes him into the protagonist. The only thing taking away from it is that I really couldn't get behind the ending. That was a bit disappointing.
My favorite songs about law has to be when Johnny Cash covered "I fought the law." NWA also has some good ones, I mean.
My favorite show that is related to law is FX's Sons of Anarchy. It is a very controversial show about a California motorcycle club and their run-ins with the law and personal life. This season began with a school shooting and the gun that was used was bought from the club by the boy's stepfather. So this whole entire season has been about the club facing charges and trying not to end up in prison and also getting out of the gun business. But along the road their have been murders, privacy right cases and drug charges and they are constantly dealing with the law.
Savannah H.
TTH 2 p.m.
My favorite movie that is related to law, would be Law Abiding Citizen with actor Gerard Butler. The action film is about a man whose wife and daughter get murdered and when a plea bargain sets one of his family's killers free, he takes justice into his own hands. Butler targets the killer, district attorney and other people who were involved. I liked this movie because it was suspenseful and had me on my toes the whole time. Gerard Butler was amazing in this film.
Christina G.
TTH afternoon
My favorite movie that is related to law is, "Liar, Liar." Jim Carey is amazingly funny in it, and the story has a great plot. It's funny because lawyers come across as manipulative liars, and this movie shows that you can still be a good lawyer without telling lies.
-Jared Dyer 11:00 a.m. t, tr
My favorite movie related to law would have to be "Erin Brokovich" (2000). Julia Roberts does an excellent job as the main character in her role as a legal assistant that almost single-handedly brings down a California power company thats accused of polluting a city's water supply. I love that someone who doesn't have a back ground in law can fall headfirst into her work and finds it extremely fascinating. Of course, her prevailing in the end makes it even better. But this was probably the first law related film that I saw when I was younger that I actually enjoyed because of its basis in law.
- Jordan Lee T/Th 2pm
My favorite show right now is actually scandal, if you haven't seen it do it now it's so addicting and amazing. It's actually i think one of the first shows to have a black women lead role ( kerry washington) it's about Olivia pope (kerry washington) The show takes place in Washington, D.C. and focuses on Olivia Pope's crisis management firm, Olivia Pope & Associates, and its staff, as well as staff at the White House. It just has so many twists and surprises that you don't expect. and Kerry washington is such a badass in it!
Morgan McAlister TTH 2pm
I would have to say that my favorite movie that ties into law but particularly media law is "All the presidents men" which stars Robert Redford and Dustin Hoffman as Woodward and Bernstein. These two reporters uncover a monumental scandal during the Nixon administration that leads to his resignation. It is an interesting tale of how two investigative journalist don't just take down a crooked used car salesman, but rather the commander in cheif. Very interesting because it depicts drama that really did happen, and not some made up plot line. These two journalists actually exist and it also reminds me of the case involving the pentagon papers. Although the news was damaging to the administration, it needed to be told to the public. Perfect illustration of how Journalism can change the world.
Andrew Bryant (TTh 2)
This might be a little silly, but my favorite TV show that is related to law is definitely Law & Order: SVU. It's a really good show that immediately and easily draws the audience in. Each episode involves something completely crazy, whether it be a person or a case... They are all centered around situations that could, and probably have already happened in real life. It's also been a great way for me to learn about some of the law lingo that is used.
Nicolle Beltz
T/TH 2-3:20
This might be a little silly, but my favorite TV show that is related to law is definitely Law & Order: SVU. It's a really good show that immediately and easily draws the audience in. Each episode involves something completely crazy, whether it be a person or a case... They are all centered around situations that could, and probably have already happened in real life. It's also been a great way for me to learn about some of the law lingo that is used.
Nicolle Beltz
T/TH 2-3:20
One of my favorite shows to watch that involves law is Law and Order: Special Victim Units. Many of the stories are based on real crimes that have caught medias attention! Even though each episode is about the same thing they involve completely different story lines. This show uses lots of terms we have learned about in media law class, I have found it easier to understand some of the lingo after being enrolled in this class. I think the reason I enjoy this show some much is because most of the situations are very real! It shows how easily something can happen to an innocent person.
Kaylee N.
T/TH 11am
A great entertainment example of media and the law is the recently released film, "The Fifth Estate." This movie is based on Julian Assange, the creator of WikiLeaks. I don't want to ruin the movie because it's really good, but it follows the difficulty he had trying to release true but confidential information to the media. Can anyone say Pentagon Papers?!
My favorite movie involving law is Lincoln Lawyer. I like it because it is a modern day law film. I feel like a lot of drama law films don't always turn out the best, but I thought this one was done really well. It kept me interested and always guessing what was going to happen with the case. It's not a traditional law movie or one that goes into extreme depth, but I think that is what kept me entertained. I didn't have to be extremely informed to comprehend everything that was happening.
My favorite show that involves law is Law and Order SVU. The show involves bizarre plots and story lines that keep the viewer interested in watching. After the first few classes of media law, I was able to better understand some of the court room terminology.
Robert "Ross" Pirtle
Tues/Thur 2:00
My favorite TV show currently that involves law is called Suits, this show is about a guy named Mike Ross who has a perfect memory and once he reads something he never forgets it. He gets hired by a major Law Firm without going to law school and does a great deal of help for the law firms with his incredible memory. It's a really good show and the cases they cover are very interesting. They are always looking for loop holes in the law and other things along that matter which is why I like the show.
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