If you are a student pursuing law, then there is no doubt that you have a rigorous and hectic curriculum, as well as arduous tests. Even then this difficult field of study is pursued by many because of how it develops interest with its fascinating range of study.
Students find this branch of study intriguing not only because it has a foothold in diverse areas but also because of the way it has been glamorized in different fields of literature, television and films. Law not only demands academic study but also practical application of the knowledge, which can be thrilling and exciting. We often see courtroom dramas filled with immense possibilities to help in the education of law students.
Law students must possess critical skills, retention skills and excellent communications skills with the ability of profound and persuasive oratory. They should also possess a knack for storytelling and dialogue delivery. A perfect combination of all these are a recipe for a delightful career in law.
So, law students take a break from your academic learning and switch to learning while getting entertained by watching these top ten courtroom dramas. It enhances your skills for a career in law. You know, you deserve momentary breaks in between your tight schedule. In-training law students, what are you waiting for?
Start watching these top 10 courtroom dramas today!
12 Angry Men
Released in 1957, 12 Angry Men is a classic courtroom drama depicting a homicidal trial and the deliberations of a jury. Directed by Sidney Lumet, and Starred by Henry Fonda, a single juror seeking justice and attempting to prevent a miscarriage of justice. His doubts on the reliability of witness testimonials raise statements of reasonable doubt. Hence, forcing the other jurors to reconsider the evidence. The film grasps the attention of the audience as the characters evaluate their own self. 12 Angry Men stands out as it gives a reality check that jurors are human too and burdened with their own experiences which may have an impact on the way they view the case in the courtroom.
Grab your bucket of popcorn to enjoy the superb performances!
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird movie is based on a Pulitzer Prize Literary classic novel by Harper Lee. This movie was directed by Robert Mulligan and was released in1962. The movie received worldwide critical acclaim. The movie portrays a lawyer in Maycomb, Atticus Finch who defends a young black man, Tom Robinson, accused of the rape of a white woman. In the racially divided town of Alabama, the town’s people do their best to make Finch, the lawyer, walk out of the case. However, the movie is a perfect depiction of bravery by the lawyer to ensure that truth and justice prevails.
Aspiring lawyers, get inspired while enjoying this classic piece of drama.
The Paper Chase
Directed by James Bridges, the Paper Chase is a 1973 film starring Timothy Bottoms, Lindsay Wagner, and John Houseman. The movie is based on a 1971 novel with the same title, written by John Jay Osborn, Jr, a graduate of Harvard Law School. The story revolves around James Hart, played by Timothy Bottoms, a fresher at Harvard Law School, who ends up being humiliated before the entire class on the very first day as he did not know how to respond to a question being asked. James’ journey from the first day to trying to become the best performer of his batch entails many gripping stories of surviving in a law school and the rough road of the journey. This movie comes close to depicting what life is in a law school.
Sit back and enjoy the thrilling story of the life of a law graduate.
And Justice for All
And Justice for All, a 1979 courtroom drama directed by Norman Jewison starring Al Pacino in the lead revolves around the life and times of a defense attorney in Baltimore, Arthur Kirkland.
The dilemma that Arthur goes through is aptly depicted in the movie as he represents two clients who are charged for crimes they didn’t commit. The two innocent clients being accused in a court of law makes Arthur question the entire legal system, a phenomenon many law professionals may face at certain times of their career.
For students pursuing law, this movie is a perfect way for you to understand this facet of the judiciary system.
The Verdict
A courtroom drama of 1982, The Verdict was directed by Sidney Lumet. The story of the film is about Frank Galvin and the ups and downs of his career in law. Frank gets framed with jury tampering just as he was about to expose the corrupt practices at the elite law firm in Boston that he works in. Frank then goes through a downward spiral of his life and career but makes a comeback seeking redemption. The movie illustrates realistic court hearing sessions and striking arguments with excellent dialogues. This courtroom drama stresses on seeking truth and justice before declaring a verdict.
Students of law can experience realistic courtroom scenes in this movie.
The Accused
Released in 1988, The Accused is a legal drama, loosely based on a real incident of a gang rape at a bar in Massachusetts in 1983. The movie was directed by Jonathan Kaplan and starred Jodie Foster and Kelly McGillis. The movie depicts the law proceedings after Sarah Tobias (played by Jodie Foster) was raped. Her case was assigned to a deputy district attorney, Kathryn Murphy, who prosecuted the case. This film depicts the uphill battle of a tough, young woman who suffers brutally at the hands of three men and the onlookers who cheered and encouraged the act. The movie gives a fair idea of a criminal case proceeding, including the struggles of a victim and the lawyer. The courtroom scenes shed light on questioning witnesses during a trial. With Foster receiving widespread acclaim, the movie bagged critical and commercial success
This sensitive criminal drama is riveting and a must watch for aspiring law students.
Presumed Innocent
Presumed Innocent, directed by Alan J. Pakula, is a 1990 movie adaptation of the best-selling 1987 novel by Scott Turow. Harrison Ford plays the lead role of Rozat “Rusty” Sabich. The movie revolves around Rusty’s former girlfriend Carolyn Polhemus and how she gets raped and murdered. The case is handled by Rusty but to Rusty’s shock all the evidence at the crime scene points Rusty as the murderer. The case then is taken over by top Defense Attorney, Sandy Stern at Rusty’s request. Upon further investigation many mysteries related to the crime are unearthed. This movie shows the aspect of how evidence is a crucial part of a case. It is important for lawyers to know how crime scenes are investigated.
Law students, grab onto your seats and enjoy the striking performance and captivating courtroom drama.
A Few Good Men
Directed by Rob Reiner, A Few Good Men, released in 1992. Movie stars Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore. The movie is famous for its dramatic courtroom scenes and revolves around the court-martial of two US Marines, charged with the murder of a fellow marine. The movie focuses on the facet of how a good lawyer needs to explore every possible area to arrive at the truth and deliver justice without any fear or hesitation.
With an impressive cast and gripping end, this movie is a definite pick for the bucket list of students pursuing law.
My Cousin Vinny
In the year 1992, Jonathan Lynnis had directed My Cousin Vinny. The film is a legal comedy revolving around the lives of Billy Gambini and Tan Rithenstein, two students of New York University, falsely put on trial for a murder they did not commit.
Billy’s cousin and personal injury lawyer Vinny Takes on their case lying about his trial experiences whereas he appears for his first trial in the case of his cousin. The movie further depicts the court proceedings and how Vinny fights the case in court.
Watch the movie today to enjoy this engrossing story.
The Firm
This movie is an adaptation of John Grisham’s novel published in 1991 with the same name. This 1993 legal thriller is directed by Sydney Pollack and stars Tom Cruise as the lead actor, playing Mitch McDeere. The story is about a final year Harvard Law School student who has a promising career and is offered a job at a firm that specializes in accounting and taxing law. Soon enough, Mitch starts to enjoy the perks of power and becomes a drunk. But he gets entrapped in illegal work undertaken at his firm as well as for the murders of two fellow employees. The movie further shows the gripping story of Mitch using his intelligence to defend himself. It is a perfect film depicting the life of a lawyer who had to quickly adapt to the tricks of the trade.
Watch the stellar performances of the movie, whilst enjoying important tricks of law.
Law students, practice your skills while watching courtroom dramas. With excellent dialogue delivery, thrilling and gripping stories these movies provide you the perfect break you need to take amidst your busy and hectic schedule. Don’t waste another minute, start enjoying these top courtroom dramas, today!
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