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 during the spring semester.
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.
With your comment, please include your
first name and the initial of your last name, and your class (either Online Class or Honors Class). I
need this information 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 or commenting on 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 and include a brief
summary of the work.
I'll go first. In past semesters, the movie I would call my favorite
was "Twelve Angry Men" -- the original with Henry Fonda. But in 2012,
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 abolished slavery. A
movie about passing a constitutional amendment? How perfect for a media
law prof!
I look forward to reading your comments.
Tuesday, January 18, 2022
Welcome, Spring 2022 classes!
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71 comments:
My favorite T.V. show that relates to law is O.J. vs. The People. This show is a reenactment of the O.J. Simpson trial. O.j., as many of you might know, was tried for the murder of Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman. I find crime documentaries fascinating and watching a series about The Trial of the Century is absolutely perfect for me.
-Bailey R., Online class MC 4301. 280
One of my favorite movies that also deals with law is “The Proposal.” The movie deals with a very powerful and in demand book editor who is facing deportation to Canada, where she is originally from in the movie. She feigns an engagement with her assistant in order to avoid being deported. Throughout the whole thing, an immigration official is keeping tabs with them to make sure they aren’t committing fraud. I’d say this is related to law because they’re trying to cut corners with the law! Overall it’s an amazing movie starring Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, and the late beloved Betty White amongst many other actresses and actors. 10/10 recommend!
(P.S I also really love “Legally Blonde” but that one was too easy.)
— Vayda O., Online Class MC 4301.280
Hi, this is Sylvie C. from the online Media Law section. My favorite movie that relates to law is The Social Network, which is a heavily dramatized account of the creation of Facebook and features a few different court cases that were important in the creation of the website as we know it today. I like the subtlety in the direction of the film and how it shows the bias of person recounting their story in each case.
One of my favorite movies of all time is "The Terminal" starring Tom Hanks.
Due to international politics and immigration law, Tom Hank's character gets stuck in an airport terminal for several weeks. His passport is canceled upon arrival and he cannot go back home or leave the airport. He has no money or knows anybody and has to figure out a way to get into the country to achieve his goal.
It's a story about persistence, creativity, and having a never-give-up attitude. It's definitely worth a watch.
-Surid Kaphle Online class MC 4301. 280
Hello, this is Ryan P. from online class MC4301. A movie related to law that I would consider my favorite is "A Few Good Men" this film just seems like a classic good watch and I still enjoy watching it whenever I can. The story is mainly about two marines that are brought to court for killing another marine but were wrongly accused of the crime. This film just really tests the moral compass you can say and has a lot to do with honor and justice made it seem so interesting to me. The scenes in the court are super suspenseful and other events that happen in the movie are really shocking too. It stars Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson and Demi Moore I would for sure recommend it if you haven't seen it!
I don't watch a lot of movies revolving around law but I would say the purge is one that I enjoy. It show how some laws have been made to benefit only the wealthy and make it hard for everyone else. It also points out that some laws are wrong and un-needed and vice versa by allowing viewers to contemplate on if they are following laws because they believe them or because they are enforced.
-Timia C., Online class MC 4301. 280
I think my favorite movie involving law would be "Erin Brockovich". It's one of my mom's favorite movies, and I've watched it a lot with her. I love Julia Roberts' performance in that movie and the story is very interesting. The movie certainly got me interested in law and how it works. When I first came to Texas State I wrote a paper on Erin Brockovich for one of my classes and really enjoyed the process.
-Laura R., Online Class MC 4301.280
I think my favorite show revolving around law would be "Bull." While I understand it is not a super realistic version of how court cases go in real life, I still find it interesting how they can convince the jury to take the victim's side. Not only does the show deal with serious topics, but it has some comedic relief elements sprinkled in there, too, which really helps keep the viewer interested.
Hi Danielle Rubio from the online class. I think my favorite movie that has to deal with law would be The Help. I feel how it shows both sides of Jim Crow laws and how it affected so many black people in the south. It also shows how some southern white people did not agree with the laws but were almost forced to dislike black people so they would not upset their white friends and family. Also the actors are some of the best of our time.
Erika D., Online MC 4301.280
Law-related media that first come to my mind include “In Cold Blood” by Truman Capote, “Twin Peaks” directed by David Lynch, and “The Social Network” directed by David Fincher. I would say that the first two more loosely include the law in their plots. Both consist of a detective or agent investigating a murder in a small town. Capote’s book explores the psychology of the suspects of a true crime family murder that took place in 1959. Lynch’s TV series however puts a very experimental twist on the horrors and fantasies of a fictional death and its impact on the agent assigned to it. Of the three, “The Social Network” looks more particularly at the legal process between Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, and the Winklevoss twins in 2003 (with, of course, some creative liberties). Another book I’ve heard of but haven’t read myself, “Anyone You Want Me To Be” by John Douglas and Stephen Singular, documents the true crimes of one of the earliest cases of a man luring victims to their deaths through the Internet. I imagine this could have set a precedent for the legal concerns and boundaries of the Internet during its infancy in the 90s.
My favorite movie that is related to law has to be "My Cousin Vinny" directed by Jonathan Lynn. It's a 1992 comedy film about a New York lawyer who has never won a case. Vinny, being the lawyer, goes to Alabama to represent his cousin and his cousin's friend in a murder trial. My favorite part is when Vinny called his girlfriend, Mona Vito, to the stand. She is awesome! It's been a while since I last watched it, but I remember really enjoying it. It's my favorite because it balanced humor and courtroom drama well in my opinion.
- Teal W. Online Class MC 4301.280
Breaking the Law by Judas Priest is my go to law related media. It's a song that is open to interpretation and a real jam. It features a belter of a guitar riff and is one of the most recognizable sounds in music. This song may be about a down on his luck fellow who decides to improve his situation by breaking the law. Danny Ocean ripped off a few casinos.
This song may be about someone who is bored and tired of being led to the end of life on a metaphorical track and decides to pour schnapps all over the back seat, without consuming it, and driving over the speed limit. I for one, am never driving slower than 90 when this tune comes over the radio.
The song does not necessarily encourage anyone to break the law, but, it may inspire someone to step outside of the line every so often without hurting anyone and remind themselves that rules are meant to be broken. Would you download a car? With an emphatic F Yeah.
Runners up in this category are "YES THEY DESERVE TO DIE! AND I HOPE THEY BURN IN HELL!" Also, Lupine Urology. If you know, you know.
SJA HON 3396E
I don't particularly watch many shows/movies that relate to law specifically, however, one that stuck with me was O.J. vs. The People. I like to watch documentaries if I am watching something to do with the law, documentaries make it real and more intriguing, for instance, I watch True Crime if I am looking for something to do with crime. The O.J. case was just that, it was real and raw and such a huge story in the time that it occurred which makes it that much more fascinating.
- Savannah H., Online Class MC 4301.280
Kelsey Thomas - Online Class MC 4301.280
My favorite T.V. show related to law is How to Get Away with Murder on Netflix. It is about a group of law students and their talented law professor who get twisted up into a murderer crime. It is a thriller/crime series.
One of my favorite shows is called "Death Note" which is about a high school student "Light" who discovers a notebook that can kill someone by simply writing their name. He keeps it a secret and tries to do good for humanity by killing criminals. This relates to the law because his morals begin to become more questionable as he starts killing people who endanger his secret. Also his dad is actually chief of the police department that is trying to identify the "secret killer". I love this show because Light is super intelligent, and even if his actions are bad his intentions are good which makes him a likeable protagonist. I highly recommend! It's also very funny!
-Monica Arredondo MC 4301 280
My favorite TV show related to law would be the series "Unbelievable" on Netflix. The show follows a girl who reported being raped by an intruder in her apartment, and the detectives on the case end up accusing her of fabricating her story. The series really kept my attention because it portrayed so much of what goes on behind the scenes of handling a crime, and how easy information can be twisted.
- Kaylee H. (Online Class MC4301.280)
As we all know that the super bowl is approaching. Many of us who are into football wonder who the two best teams will be in the super bowl. My prediction is going to be a rematch between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Kansas City Chiefs. I may be right or may be wrong after this weekend and the following weekends of the playoffs. Tom Brady is on his way of earning his 8th super bowl championship in his career. I'm starting to think that at times the NFL is built around Tom Brady, but also I feel like wherever he goes, he can win that team a championship like he did for the Buccaneers on his first year with the team. What do ya'll think about Tom Brady's career being built up by the NFL?
Tristen Rich, T.R. MC 4301 Online
My favorite book is called Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradberry. I have read that book so many times that I can fully remember it. I think it is crazy that in the book that in their future that reading is completely illegal and forbidden because they are so relied on technology. I can tie that into todays generation and time because we are so used to being on our phones and have adapted to the new technology around us that sometimes we forget how good reading is for the mind and soul and how much productive it is for yourself.
Tristen Rich, MC 4301, Online course
My favorite tv show related to law is The Good Wife. The show is about a lawyer working at a law firm that works on civil and criminal cases. Each episode covers a different case. It is my favorite because I think some of the cases are interesting, and I like that it covers multiple cases and storylines instead of just one. The characters are also really interesting.
-Paige V., MC 4301.280, Online class
My favorite law-related show is a true-crime docuseries on Hulu called The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All. A little background, in 1989 Jose and Mary Menendez were murdered in their home by their sons Erik and Lyle Menendez. The series is an audio interview with Erik from his cell in the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego. The series revisits the early childhood of the boys, the actual murders, and the court's decision from Erik's point of view. It is definitely an interesting trial and tests ethics, but I really enjoyed it.
WARNING! If you choose to watch this series, PLEASE be aware that the series talks about sensitive subjects such as murder, sexual violence, and torture.
- Lindsay G, Online Class MC 4301.280
I have to go with Matlock. It's a TV series from the mid-80s to mid-90s, and it centers around Georgia defense lawyer Ben Matlock and the many different murder cases that he takes on--and always ends up winning somehow at the end of every episode. I like it first of all because Andy Griffith stars as Matlock, and second, because of nostalgia. I used to watch this show every morning when I was in school, and I remember always being impressed at how Matlock was able to solve the case and prove his client's innocence (or, in some plot twists, discover their guilt) at the very last minute.
Judge Judy comes in a close second, of course!! I learned all the legal terms I know from her.
-- Hannah R, Honors Class 3396E
My favorite television show that deals with the law are Succession on HBO. It is a newer show and isn't completely focused on law but features a lot of subjects where law and ethics are taken into consideration before large decisions. The show is loosely based on media tycoon Rupert Murdoch and is a darkly comedic take on how large multi-billionaire dollar companies decide on their next CEO. In the show, the media company's CEO (Logan Roy) must decide on which one of his three children will run his company after he is gone. It's a game of thrones style mental game with legal and ethical situations that's filmed like the office. I'm a big fan.
- Xavier C, Online Class4301.280
My favorite show that has to do with law is I am a Killer on Netflix. In each episode, a person who is on death row tells their story of how they got there. However, the detective that was on the case tells their story and so does the victim's family. I enjoy it because they always begin with the convict's side of the story, which makes the audience believe what they say. Regardless of how believable the convict is, the majority of the time the viewer realizes they were not telling the whole truth after hearing what the family and detective had to say.
-Kelsi H. MC 4301.280
My favorite movie related to law is "Just Mercy." The movie focuses on a young lawyer, Bryan Stevenson, as he travels around Alabama to help people who don't have the finances for proper legal representation. He offers his services to multiple men of color, specifically those who are on death row. He helps Johnny D. McMillian, who was wrongfully convicted of murdering a white woman in 1986. The movie itself is heart-wrenching but focuses on an issue that is still prevalent in today's society: the death penalty and the inequalities imprisoned people of color face as a result of it. The movie is based on a memoir, which I purchased recently and look forward to reading. I would recommend watching or reading it; it truly is an amazing and captivating story!
Camryn Cole, HON 3396E
My favorite TV show related to law is criminal minds. It’s about a team from the CIA who work to find serial killers and convict them. I really like how interesting it is and the casting choices are amazing. Spencer Reid is my favorite character!
My favorite TV show related to law is criminal minds. It’s about a team from the CIA who work to find serial killers and convict them. I really like how interesting it is and the casting choices are amazing. Spencer Reid is my favorite character!
-Lucy Emmerson MC 4301 Online
My favorite movie having to do with law is The Post directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. It's about the Washington Post's efforts in the 70's to publish the Pentagon Papers, important documents that contained the truth about the U.S.'s involvement in Vietnam, among other things. I liked it because it drove home the importance of freedom of the press, and it was also less boring than I thought it would be.
- Chris B. , MC 4301.280 (Online Class)
One of my favorite movies with a basis of law would be the God's Not Dead series. It has to do with challenging the court system, due to taking away a student's right to pray or worship at school. I think this movie is very practical and shows how everyone should be able to express freely their beliefs and practices.
-Abigail D., MC4301.280 (Online Course)
One of my favorite movies that included the practice of law is the 2018 biographical film on Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s life titled “On the Basis of Sex”. The movie follows the story of Ginsburg’s struggle with being a woman at Harvard Law during the 1950s. Despite transferring to Yale Law and graduating at the top of her class, she still struggles to get a job. While being a professor at Rutger’s University, she begins discussing feminism and women’s rights, she picks up a client who is staying at home to take care of their mother but does not receive the same pay and care because he is a man. We see how she argues court cases based on discriminatory gender laws and eventually wins her case, not only for the caregiver but for all women.
- Abigail Burns, HON 3396E
I don't know a lot of movies involving law, but my favorite has to be The Shawshank Redemption. It follows the main character Andy, who is falsely accused of double murder of his wife and her lover, that later is revealed that Andy is innocent in the story by one of Andy's fellow inmates. With this information, Andy talks to the warden to try to get pardoned and be set free, but since Andy has helped the warden with corruption such as tax evasions and money laundering, the warden does everything in his power to keep Andy in the prison and under his control. Later on, Andy enacts a plan to steal the warden's identity and money, and also escape the prison to go to Mexico with his fellow inmate friend Red. At the end of the movie, Andy's plan is completely successful and many of the guards are arrested for these crimes after Andy anonymously sent a tip to reporters about the corruption at the prison. The warden would have gone with the rest of the guards, but the warden chose to commit suicide instead. At the very end, Andy and his friend Red meet up again to sail a ship to their dream location in Mexico.
Caden Napier MC4301.280
My favorite film that is related to law is called Woman in Gold (2015). The film is based on a true story and follows the life of an elderly Jewish woman and her young lawyer who work to fight against the Austrian government in order to reclaim a beautiful painting of her aunt that was stolen from her family by the Nazis right before WWII. The film shows the complexities of international law and displays the difficulties of their fight against a foreign government. The case ultimately went all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court (Republic of Austria v. Altmann, 2004). The scenes of flashbacks to the injustices her family experienced during WWII are heartbreaking, but the film also highlights the importance of understanding and forgiveness, such as when the woman receives help getting her painting from the Austrian government from a man whose father was a Nazi. Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds, and Daniel Bruhl give such fantastic performances in this film that I began to seriously consider pursuing law school after I watched it. Overall, it is an excellent movie for someone who is interested in WWII history, art, and the legal process!
- Elektra Jordan, HON 3396E
Hi my name is Esmeralda Zamora and my favorite movie related to law is Ted Bundy documentary on Netflix it’s called Extremely Wicked: Shockingly Evil and Vile with Zach Efren. This documentary walks you through the way a serial killer went through trials back in the days and I feel they did a excellent job portraying the story.
- Esmeralda Z. MC 4301 online course
Hi everyone!
One of my favorite law-related pieces of media is the documentary "13TH" (2016). This documentary highlights the exploitative nature of America's prison industrial complex + how it disproportionately affects people of color. 13TH, aptly named after the thirteenth amendment, explains how today's prison system, in many ways, is a long-term side effect of slavery. Though our nation promised to abolish slavery, it feels as though we didn't entirely get rid of it. Instead, America replaced slavery with a for-profit punishment system that exploits many of the same demographics that slavery did. I chose this film as my favorite because I feel like it's a must-see, illuminating watch- especially for anyone who doesn't fully understand the concept of systemic racism. It really brings a new perspective to the 13th amendment and shows how legislative loopholes can be created + used by the top people in power to uphold their status. The issues in this film are a perfect example of why we cannot rely on laws, documents + politicians alone to protect our freedom.
Some honorable (and much lighter) mentions are: Legally Blonde, The People vs. OJ Simpson, Bailey Sarian's Dark History podcast
-Kaitlynn Turner, HON 3396E
My favorite show involving law is Criminal Minds. The show is about a group of FBI agents in the Behavioral Analysis Unit who use profiling skills to solve murders specifically involving serial killers. This is my favorite show that involves the law because of how smart the characters are. It is very interesting to see how their brains work to profile and catch the Unsubs. They each have something unique to bring to the table and they work together for 15 seasons to uphold the law.
- Jaidyn H. MC 4301 online
My favorite law-related media is "What Roman Mars Can Learn About Con Law". Each episode, they discuss a current topic in Constitutional law with Professor Elizabeth Joh. I learned about this podcast from 99% Invisible, and hearing Roman Mars, someone who is informed about a lot but not an expert on the law, learn about current events through a con law framework has been very interesting.
-Gabriel C, HON 3396E
One of my favorite TV shows that are law related would be Law and Order SVU. In each episode, the NYPD detectives in the Special Victims Unit are investigating crimes that are sexually motivated. Not only does the audience witness the crime taking place, but they also see the aftermath of the detectives' work and how the lawyers are going to present the case to the judge in order to receive justice for the victims/their family.
-Lily P. Online class, MC 4301.280.
One of my favorite movies that has to deal with Law would be My cousin Vinny 1992 classic, it is an oldie. Even one of my favorite cartoons did a reference to the court scene with Marisa Tomei 'Auto Motive Expert' when she shuts up the clever lawyer and proves herself to be a reliable witness. Teen titans GO, had raven play her part in the court house, line for line.
Jazmyn U. Online Class, MC 4301.280
My favorite television series that is law related is American Crime Story. This is a series that covers high profiled individuals and their historical crimes. For example, season one was The People v. O.J. Simpson. The season covered the murder trial from 1994-1995. Season two was the Assassination of Gianni Versace and season three was the Impeachment which covers the infamous scandal between Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky.
This series is easily one of my favorites because I am really into crime stories that spend a lot of time in the limelight!
-Mya W. MC 4301 ONLINE
Mikayla M. - Honors
My favorite movie of all time is Hairspray (2007). Not only is it a musical with an all star cast, like Zac Efron and Jon Travolta, but it also goes over some legal disputes such as segregation in schools and television. Towards the end of the movie there is also discussion about police brutality and debate of police use of force. The movie is set back in the 1960s in Baltimore when the civil rights movement was making waves trying to add more inclusion and representation within television and news.
Hi my name is Lynsey R. and I am from the mc 4301 online section. I do not watch a lot of movies/shows having to do with law but the best one I have seen is the Ted Bundy movie documentary on Netflix called "Extremely wicked, shockingly evil and vile". It is a biographical crime drama about the life of Ted Bundy, a serial killer. In certain scenes he is taken to court on trial for murder which is why it is related to law. I think it is a super interesting movie to watch although it is very dark and evil.
One of my favorite TV shows that relate to law is Hannibal. The show is about FBI special investigator, William Graham, and his relationship with his psychiatrist Dr. Hannibal Lecter. The show revolves around investigations and murders due to the nature of Graham's career. However, the most interesting aspect of the show is the patient/doctor relationship between Graham and Lecter. The relationship that begins to form between Lecter and Graham is interesting, to say the least. Their relationship brings an odd dynamic to patient/ doctor confidentiality and a patient's trust in a doctor's intentions. If you haven't watched this show, I highly recommend it! It is a thrilling and dynamic series.
-Rachel F. Online Class
Hello, my name is Rocio and I'm in MC 4301 section 280, which is online. I don't watch many shows that involve law, but the three shows I can think of are the ones I've currently been watching. Criminal Minds, Chicago Med and Grey's Anatomy. All three of those shows deal with the law in a way, especially criminal minds since the FBI and detectives are involved. When it comes to Chicago Med and Grey's Anatomy, the law can also be involved with those as well, because sometimes there is rule breaking where lawyers have to get involved and there's a risk of the hospital getting sued.
Hi my names is Jordan Young and I’m in HON 3369. When deciding which law related show interest me it’s difficult to pick just one. From Scandal to Cold Cases, even Game Of Thrones to a degree; there are many to choose from. However, since I have to chose one I would go with How to Get Away With Murder. Viola Davis played the role of a hard nose defense attorney/ professor beautifully. And all though actually law school doesn’t require murder; it does require a certain attitude and commitment and each student showed that in their own way in the show.
A favorite movie I recall about law is called my Cousin Vinny. As I child I wondered how it was possible to even find evidence for a case just from a photograph. It was one of my favorites, and I still remember my first time watching it. This movie was one of those that helped spark interest for me in law.
-Hugo J. Online class MC4301.280
My favorite movie that includes law would probably be The Lincoln Lawyer. I do not know a lot of movies with law included but this one sticks out to me the most when I think of the ones I have seen. This stars Matthew McConaughey in which he is a defense attorney. He does low cases that include small crooks and stuff like that. To his surprise a rich male called for him when he was called to trial for attempted murder. While looking for evidence he finds interesting things that cause tension and suspense. I love the twists and movies with thrill like this.
- Garret Lloyd Honors 3396
Hi my name is Yulissa Romero, and I'm in MC 4301.280 which is online. I don't watch many movies or tv shows that revolve around law but there is one that I remember enjoying but it's in Spanish. It's called Por Amar Sin Ley, which essentially translates to For Loving Without Law and its an original Mexican drama television series that first aired on the network Las Estrellas in 2018. This show is about a group of lawyers that have a passion for doing their job. Giving us an insight on the personal and working life of this group, while they all work at a prestigious law firm in Mexico. They are known for never giving up on a case, and honestly getting very invested in all of their clients cases. It starts with the incarceration of one of the lawyers and then the whole firm tries to prove that he is not guilty. All while in the firm they are covering other cases, and all the forbidden romances going on inside the firm.
My favorite law related media is a Japanese video game series known as Ace Attorney. Since Ace Attorney's launch in 2001, the games allow you to to step into the shoes of an attorney as you solve a surplus of interesting and exciting cases. The main gameplay of the series revolves around gathering evidence, hearing out witnesses, and trying to find inconsistencies while you prove your clients' innocences. The cases can be pretty grisly because they are mostly related to murder, but the over-the-top anime art style adds a wacky and comedic overtone to the serious gameplay. I also wholeheartedly recommend Danganronpa, which is a game series that plays very similarly to Ace Attorney. Although you'll find yourself solving murder crimes in a very similar fashion to Ace Attorney, Danganronpa is far less grounded in reality. The story revolves around a group of high schoolers that are forced to murder each other by a mechanical bear named Monokuma! Once a murder has been carried out, you have to make sure you solve the case correctly in a court of law. If you fail any case, you face execution.
-Jake C., MC 4301.280 (Online Class)
RBG is a 2018 documentary film about Ruth Bader Ginsburg's life and career. She was the second female Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. The documentary chronicles her life as the U.S. Supreme Court Justice, and how she built a legacy while becoming a pop culture icon. I love this movie because it tells her story long before she became a practicing lawyer. Interviews in the documentary feature not only Ginsburg but a number of people in her life and people she influenced. It’s a relief and inspiring to know there are humans like RBG still trying to make the world a better place because they are inspired by her.
-Kathryn Blaising Online class MC 4301.280
I am an entertainment junkie. I love to binge movies and read religiously, so picking a favorite about law seems almost impossible. My most recent read was Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover, although it might not be a crime or mystery novel, the law is a very apparent and crucial part of the plot. A 22-year-old girl goes to prison for 5 years for a tragic mistake. While she was in prison, she gave birth to her daughter but quickly got the rights taken away. Throughout the book, you hear her experience after she is released and trying to get in contact with her daughter. From custody battles, restraining orders, involuntary manslaughter, to childbirth in prison, the law is very apparent in this contemporary romance novel. The law plays such a vital and direct impact on life that it could be argued almost all media is law-related media in some aspect.
-Elise T. Online MC 4301.280
It may not be the most serious movie of all time, but I absolutely love Legally Blonde. It is about Elle Woods, a popular sorority girl who is studying fashion merchandising who decides to try and get into Harvard Law School in order to get back with her ex boyfriend. He claims he needs someone more "grown up" like his peers at Harvard, not a Barbie-doll type girl with a tiny dog. She ends up studying for her LSAT and miracolously gets a 179. During her time at Harvard she realizes her ex boyfriend is a jerk and she focuses on her law career instead. This movie is not only entertaining but also relatable because just like Elle Woods, I also want to attend law school but oftentimes feel like people judge me for the clothes or makeup I wear and try to discredit me for the way I look. I can't wait to have my Elle Woods moment and show them even girly girls can be lawyers too, its not just for the boys.
-Savannah Gunter, Honors
While I don't watch many tv shows and movies one that came to mind is Criminal Minds. Its about a group of FBI agents who essential go around the world and catch killers. There are about 7 criminal profilers who use there skills to pinpoint and analyze where the killer would hit next or what their next plan was. This is how they would determine how and where to catch the killer. I am always interested in crime shows and any crime documentaries.
- Madison Mott, MC 4301.280
One of the most compelling movies I have seen regarding work in the law is Denial. It came out in 2016 and tells the biographical story of the Irving vs Penguin Books court case, in which a Holocaust survivor was sued by a Holocaust denier for libel. It was wild to me that (and how) they had to prove that a major historical event occurred - one that many accept as historical fact. It opened my eyes to many precarious, tedious facets of law and court, and it really made me feel for the people who have been shorted by these unfair tendencies.
- MeriAllen Krueger, MC4301 280 Online
My favorite show that relates to law is How to Get Away With Murder. The show is about a group of students in law school who are taught by Annalise Keating, a brilliant defense attorney. What was meant to be a typical law school experience ends up being anything but when the students find themselves having to do what they were taught- getting away with murder. The show is thrilling and addictive to watch.
- Faith Chabert, Online class MC 4301
My favorite book is Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut, first published in 1969. The book as been placed on the American Library Association's list of “Most Frequently Challenged Books" for violation of certain obscenity laws. While the book contents don't directly have any relation to the law, the book itself does, as there have been many legal efforts for decades to banish the book from school libraries. The reasoning behind banishment extends from explicit sexual scenes to violence and crude language. While some of the contents may not be for the light-hearted, it serve a lovely message and in the final chapter celebrating the liberation of POW's, including main character, Billy Pilgrim.
From being banned in a Michigan public school in 1972, New York in 1975, and another school in Florida in 1982, Slaughterhouse-Five is still a hot topic of debate in the eyes of the law and those whom uphold it.
Kara Valentine, MC 4301.280
My favorite TV show that is related to law is "How to get Away with Murder". This show is about a group of law students that get involved with their criminal defense professor. The group become involved in a series of lies and murder that ultimately changes the course of their lives. The show takes the audience inside their classroom and the courtroom as well.
- Stephanie Flores., Online class MC 4301.280
Eva N. MC 4301.280
One of my favorite things to research, learn about, and follow is American true crime. I frequently watch a popular YouTube channel called "JCS Criminal Psychology" (JCS stands for Jim Can't Swim, the YouTube channel's name).
These intense videos go into detail on the techniques cops use in interrogations, for better or for worse. I don't enjoy learning about killers and criminals because I feel they don't deserve the time or energy spent on them, but I DO enjoy watching cops interrogate guilty folks. The psychology behind it is rather interesting; social interactions that would normally be considered cruel are accepted as the norm to break down guilty persons, or to clear someone's name. The concept of these videos being shared online in public forums is an insane concept, and I also like to research the psychology behind those that are obsessed with true crime to the point of it being disturbing.
If you're interested in knowing more about the channel, I suggest checking it out! It's not for the faint of heart, but I do believe these are important situations to understand.
Hi, Im Michaela N. from Media Law class. A show right now that I'm super interested in is Ozark. Its a show on Netflix that involves crime, the Mexican cartel, and the law. There are many laws broken in this show and the police are often involved. It's a really intuiting show and there is never a dull moment. There is 3 seasons and the 3rd season was just released this month. I suggest it to anyone who likes intense shows.
I don’t find myself engaging with a lot of media that pertains to law, because it’s a very tricky subject to navigate and turn into entertainment while still trying to uphold the integrity of the situation, however off the top of my head my top two encounters would have to be the Netflix limited series “When They See Us” and also a movie called “The Best of Enemies”. The first series, When They See Us, was a show about the 5 young black men who were illegally arrested, interrogated, coerced, and convicted for the attack of a white woman. All five of the men are alive and well, as well as they could possibly be after serving undeserved time in jail at least, today to witness the impact their story had on the world. The second one I mentioned is a film about a town’s summit regarding school integration that pits a civil rights activist against a klu klux klan leader, sparking an unlikely teamwork and friendship. A truly inspirational and unbelievable story everyone should see, it is also on Netflix!
-Breah L. (Online Class Media Law & Ethics Class)
Hi guys! My favorite movie that discusses law is “Law Abiding Citizen,” starring Gerard Butler. The film is from 2009, but the story is thrilling and thought provoking. Without giving away spoilers, the film is about a father who is the only survivor of a murderous house invasion. His young daughter and wife were both killed, but the murderer did not kill him, just beat him up really bad to where he couldn’t save his wife or kid. Later on, he identifies the murderer and hopes to lock him away in jail forever, but he takes a plea deal. Ten years later, the murderer is freed from jail, but the father is not okay with this (of course). So, he seeks revenge and kills him and is found guilty by the court and is imprisoned. The story is dealing thrilling and shows how the legal system in America is quite broken and corrupted. I recommend you guys to watch!
- Parker B. MC4301.280 online media law & ethics
Hi, I’m Desarae S. from the Online Media Law class. I’d say my favorite show that is related to Law is the Musical “Hamilton.” To summarize, "Hamilton" is a Musical that follows Alexander Hamilton’s early adult life and the birth of the United States. From showing a summary of how bodies of law were made to the most basic summary of the creation of our Government. Hamilton is a very entertaining musical. I love this musical because the songs are good and very informative.
A couple of my favorite shows related to the law were The People vs. O.J. Simpson and The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez. Both docuseries highlighted what takes place in the courtroom of a trial and how both the prosecuting and defending lawyers used words to mold a story and appeal to the jury. I found it interesting in The People vs. O.J. Simpson how easily the defense was able to construct an, almost irrelevant to the cast, story and turn the tide of the trial. In The Trials of Gabriel Fernandez, it was interesting to see how the prosecuting attorney used ethos to ensure that the defendants got convicted of first-degree murder under special circumstances. They just show the intelligence and social awareness it takes to be a criminal lawyer.
-Hannah Sharp (Online Class MC.4301.280)
My favorite law related show is surprisingly America's Most Wanted. This is a real informational show that tells its viewers about crimes committed by criminals who are still wanted. Although it would scare me as a kid, I find it really interesting how these criminals manage to be on the run for so long. I think this show is a great way to open up the eyes of many American's and help find these terrible people.
-Callie Alexander (Online Class)
My favorite law related show is How to Get Away With Murder. In this show law students are solving and also committing crimes. They are forced to learn quickly the ends and outs of the law and work as a team to solve crimes.
- Liz Hawkins (online class)
Growing up, my favorite Law related show was called "Bones". It was a mix of Law and Science. It was set in Washington D.C. and the characters played either FBI scientists or FBI agents. They showed quite a bit of different crime scenes and how they solved them in depth. I was always just obsessed with the stage make up and props that they used, the recovered bodies on the show got a little gruesome at times and as a curious kid I wanted to know more about it.
Sydney Planka (online class mc 4301.280)
One of my favorite TV Shows growing up and currently is Criminal Minds.
This is one of my favorite shows because it really makes you think and solve the mystery as they are. Each episode of the show is a different story that involves a story surrounded by crime and law.
When I was younger and got in trouble, naturally I would get grounded and so obviously I was not allowed to be on my phone or go anywhere. I would only be allowed to hang out with my family and watch Matlock. I really actually enjoyed the tv show because it was so interesting the ways people would try and escape out of crazy situations, but Matlock would always figure it out and get the bad guy! And he had his daughter to help which was awesome.
Sara Thomas (online class MC 4301)
Meliza S. (Online class)
My most recent favorite depiction of law on television is on the series Succession. In season 2, the episode called “DC” depicts the court case against the Roy family. The case comes into question after multiple victims speak out about mistreatment at the company. It was great to see the government has the power to go after large corporations that feel like they are untouchable. On the other hand, we see firsthand how much corruption comes to play when the defendant is wealthy.
I do not watch too many law related shows but one I have been watching a little with my roommate recently is Criminal Minds. It follows a team of FBI profilers who analyze the some of the most twisted criminal minds. I have not watched the entire show yet but the episodes I have seen are really interesting and crazy to watch.
- Carleigh D. MC4301 Online Class
I have recently been listening to episodes of the podcast "More Perfect" whenever I have free time. The entire podcast is about the Supreme Court, and it is produced by the same people who host one of my other favorite podcasts RadioLab. I highly recommend it to everyone. So far, my favorite episode is called "the political thicket" and it touches on Baker V Carr.
-Haley Bass, HON 3396E.H01
My favorite Law-related form of media would have to be the 2012 ABC Drama "Scandal". The show focuses on Olivia Pope, a private ciris manager for the political elite set in Washington D.C. She works closely with the press secretary for the White House, and does crisis control for the president as well, who she worked closely on his campaign. The show is probably not accurate to the reality of D.C. at all, however it is super entertaining and there is always so much drama. It was created by Shonda Rhimes, so obviously it is incredible. - Janet H. Honors
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