Assignment 1 (1 Page) Answer the Questions add a cited reference.
Topic: Legal Dramas in Film and Television
Legal drama is a common genre in film and television. Legal dramas often focus on courtroom battles.
1. What impact do movies and television shows about the law, criminal investigation, and police have on jurors’ expectations?
2. What is your reaction to movies and television shows that you have seen?
3. How accurately do these shows portray actual legal controversies?
Unit 10 Final Discussion Board Opening list 4 references.
*Note to the writer for content
*Help to the writer If it’s relevant to open the discussion, if not, please discard.
Sal DePillo (Me)
It’s so inspirational, and the reason I started this venture in paralegal.What’s because an attorney through a podcast, during the Covid pandemic submitted a script for Star Track movie. Knowing far well that it might not even get seen. After the pandemic, it was later discovered that the director accepted the script. And this attorney was a reason for a movie that was made for Star Trek.
Our lives are the sum of events, and they are real. The inspiration to pass on our memories to the next generation to help the world will forever be cherished.
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Assignment 2 (1/4 Page) ask a question Erin cite one reference.
Erin posted Dec 12, 2024 9:34 AM
In a time where it seems all of the shows on television are legal or medical dramas, I believe that viewers do tend to believe what they are seeing is real life. In my opinion, I think a lot of the legal shows do show a good snap shot into what life is like at firms or in courtrooms. They provide people with a basic understanding of the process. However, they are drama put on television to amuse and intrigue, and the reality of the legal world is not all cases are dramatic and fun to watch. An hour long television show would have a hard time keeping an audience if it showed a two week medical malpractice trial in full accuracy. I think these shows have a purpose for entertainment and to show a look at the process. I may have watched all seasons of Grey’s Anatomy but I know I wouldn’t be able to go into a hospital and tell an intern what their job was based on my advanced knowledge.
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Assignment 3 (1/4 Page) ask a question to Netta cite one reference.
Netta posted Dec 14, 2024 9:10 PM
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What impact do movies and television shows about the law, criminal investigation, and police have on jurors’ expectations?
Juror’s expectations can be greatly influenced by films and television programs about the law, criminal investigations, and law enforcement. The media often present jurors with incorrect views regarding the judicial system. Dramatic portrayals of actual legal proceedings are common in these dramas, especially those that focus on crime-solving and courtroom conflicts. I believe this influence can be problematic because it leads to unrealistic expectations about what a real trial should look like. Jurors may expect to see forensic evidence or witness testimony that provides a clear resolution to a case when legal proceedings are often more complicated and less conclusive
What is your reaction to movies and television shows that you have seen?
I find movies and television shows about the law, criminal investigations, and police to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, but also problematic in their portrayal of the legal system. On one hand, they can spark interest in legal issues, provoke important conversations about justice, and even inspire individuals to pursue careers in law or criminal justice. I appreciate the entertainment value of these shows, but I also recognize their potential to mislead viewers, particularly when it comes to shaping perceptions of the legal system. In my opinion, A disclaimer should go with these portrayals, reminding viewers that the law is more complicated slower moving, and less spectacular than what is often portrayed on TV. Since fictitious representations of the legal world are meant to have an impression rather than be accurate, viewers must consider what they see cautiously.
How accurately do these shows portray actual legal controversies?
The dramatization and oversimplification of legal arguments in these shows often fall short of accurately reflecting the complicated nature of actual legal battles. They occasionally discuss real legal matters, but their preference for entertainment and emotional appeal over truth might deceive viewers. For instance, Scenes from courtrooms tend to be packed with dramatic elements that are uncommon in actual trials, such as unexpected witnesses, abrupt disclosures, and furious objections. Most court cases need a great deal of planning, investigation, and procedure steps that aren’t as thrilling to watch but are extremely important to the result. These programs routinely minimize the underlying obscure areas of the law when presenting legal disputes. Real-life court cases are rarely as straightforward as those shown in movies and television shows.
Reference:
Walston-Dunham, B. (2020). Introduction to Law (7th ed.). Cengage Learning. Retrieved from Purdue University Global Bookshelf: Introduction to Law
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Assignment 4 (1/4 Page) ask a question to Ciara cite one reference.
Ciara posted Dec 15, 2024 2:28 PM
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Films and television series centered around law enforcement, criminal investigations, and legal proceedings can profoundly influence jurors’ expectations and perceptions of the judicial process (Damord, 2022). These media often portray forensic evidence and investigative methods in a way that exaggerates their reliability and accessibility, contributing to what is commonly referred to as the “CSI effect” (Damord, 2022). This phenomenon occurs when jurors, shaped by the dramatized portrayals of crime-solving in shows like “CSI,” come to anticipate a level of scientific proof and forensic detail in every case they evaluate. Consequently, when trials lack the extensive forensic evidence or high-tech investigative techniques depicted in these programs, jurors may become dissatisfied and are more likely to render not-guilty verdicts based on their unrealistic standards (Damord, 2022). This disconnect can lead to a dangerous misalignment between juror expectations and the realities of legal proceedings, ultimately impacting the pursuit of justice.
I think legal dramas like “Suits,” “The Lincoln Lawyer,” and “Better Call Saul” glamorize the courtroom experience, creating the impression that legal battles are both flashy and straightforward. These shows often focus on dramatic conflicts and quick resolutions while misrepresenting the complexities and lengthy processes inherent in actual legal cases. In “Suits,” for example, cases seem winnable through charisma rather than hard work, and “Better Call Saul” emphasizes clever legal maneuvers that oversimplify the realities of legal practice. Such portrayals can distort jurors’ expectations, leading them to anticipate dramatic courtroom moments and clear-cut outcomes that differ significantly from the nuanced nature of actual trials. This disconnect can influence jurors’ decisions and ultimately undermine the integrity of the justice process, underscoring the need to recognize the distinction between entertainment and the realities of the legal system.
References
Damord, M. (2022, June 20). How Accurate Are Crime Shows? York College of Pennsylvania. Retrieved December 15, 2024, from https://www.ycp.edu/news/how-accurate-are-crime-shows#:~:text=The%20%E2%80%9CCSI%20effect%E2%80%9D%20
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Assignment 5 (1/4 Page) ask a question to Melissa cite one reference.
Melissa posted Dec 16, 2024 7:09 PM
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Today’s jurors want more hard evidence. They want the smoking gun and the DNA proof—the unmistakable proof that points to the perpetrator. But any legal professional will tell you this doesn’t always exist. Some think this is why high-profile defendants like Casey Anthony and Robert Blake were acquitted in recent years. Circumstantial evidence and even eye-witness accounts don’t cut it in the shadow of the high-tech, flashy world of CSI and other shows. 21st century jurors are expecting sophisticated science to be included in every trial—even though it may not always reflect the reality of the case.(Rassmussen, 2017)
My personal opinion on the on Tv Shows and movies that I have seen. I don’t find them informative just entertainment. There are shows out there that I believe show the raw emotions and they do hold back personal feelings. Shameless is and always will be a show that i find to be very personally connected to me. It may not be a crime show, but they do break the law often on it. I do enjoy watching Law and Order: SVU because they have a real police officer that consults with the show to make it seem more believable. Blue Bloods also is the same way, too bad they are going off the air this year. The one movie that really gets me every time I watch it is “A time to Kill”. The closing that pulls at my heartstrings and it seemed very affective to the jury. The lawyer’s reaction was a little to heartfelt, but it connected to them as if they themselves lost their own child.
Best Closing statement ever (A Time to kill 1996)
Ericksen, K. (2017, January 25). 7 ways the CSI effect is altering our courtrooms (for better and for worse). Rasmussen University. https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/justice-studies/blog/ways-csi-effect-is-altering-our-courtrooms/
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Assignment 6 (1/4 Page) ask a question Jeri cite one reference.
Jeri posted Dec 16, 2024 7:53 PM
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1. Impact on Jurors’ Expectations
Movies and television shows, especially those focusing on criminal investigations and courtroom battles, can create what is often referred to as the “CSI Effect.” This phenomenon describes how jurors’ expectations may be shaped by dramatized depictions of the legal process, leading to:
– Higher Expectations for Evidence: Jurors may anticipate forensic evidence like DNA or fingerprints in every case, even when such evidence isn’t practical or necessary.
– Misunderstandings about Legal Speed: Television often portrays trials and investigations as fast-paced, which may frustrate jurors during slower, more procedural real-life cases.
– Bias in Legal Roles: Shows can skew perceptions of lawyers, judges, and police, portraying them as overly heroic, corrupt, or infallible.
2.Personal Reactions to Legal Dramas
Legal dramas are entertaining and often emotionally gripping, but they can provoke mixed reactions:
– Positive Reactions: Shows like Law & Order and The Practice highlight compelling legal debates, exposing audiences to concepts of justice and ethics.
– Frustration with Inaccuracy: For those familiar with the legal field, dramatized versions of the law often oversimplify or exaggerate legal procedures, which can be frustrating.
3. Accuracy of Legal Controversies in Media
While some legal dramas attempt realism, most prioritize storytelling over accuracy:
– Overemphasis on Courtroom Drama: Legal shows often focus heavily on dramatic courtroom confrontations, overlooking the extensive pre-trial work lawyers typically engage in, such as research, negotiation, and document review.
– Simplification of Ethics and Rules: Shows frequently condense complex ethical dilemmas into binary conflicts, omitting the nuances that real-life attorneys face.
– Influence of High-Profile Cases: Programs often base storylines on real legal controversies but sensationalize details to captivate viewers, thereby distorting public understanding.
Examples of Legal Dramas
– Highly Dramatized: Suits and How to Get Away with Murder thrive on sensationalism, with unrealistic timelines and far-fetched plotlines.
– More Realistic: The Good Wife and Better Call Saul strike a balance by incorporating legal research, ethical dilemmas, and the procedural grind of law practice.
Legal dramas serve as a fascinating medium to explore justice, but their impact on juror expectations and their portrayal of legal realities require critical evaluation. To fully appreciate these shows, viewers must understand that the line between entertainment and reality is often blurred.
Cole, S. A., & Dioso-Villa, R. (2009). Investigating the ‘CSI Effect’ effect: Media and litigation crisis in criminal law. Stanford Law Review, 61(6), 1335-1374. Retrieved from https://www.stanfordlawreview.org/
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Assignment 7 (1/4 Page) ask a question to Roberto cite one reference.
Roberto posted Dec 16, 2024 9:43 PM
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Hello All,
What impact do movies and television shows about the law, criminal investigation, and police have on jurors’ expectations?
Movies and television shows about law, criminal investigations, and police work often create distorted expectations among jurors, a phenomenon referred to as the “CSI Effect.” This effect stems from the portrayal of forensic evidence and legal procedures as being more clear-cut, swift, and definitive than they typically are. Jurors exposed to such media may expect irrefutable forensic evidence in every case, leading them to undervalue witness testimony or circumstantial evidence. According to studies, “the CSI Effect can lead jurors to demand more forensic evidence” or to have unrealistic standards for what is required to convict or acquit a defendant. This effect influences how jurors interpret the burden of proof and the strength of a case, which may result in altered verdicts, particularly in criminal trials.
What is your reaction to movies and television shows that you have seen?
I can say that in movies and tv shows I often experience excitement, suspense, or satisfaction from seeing crimes solved quickly and justice served. These shows frequently depict clear-cut heroes and villains, and the resolution is often tidy and emotionally satisfying. The fast pace and dramatization of crime-solving create an entertaining, though unrealistic, depiction of law enforcement and justice.
When I compare movies and shows to real life, I see the clear difference because real-life crime tends to be more complex and grounded in emotions like fear, anxiety, and frustration. Real-world crime investigations are often slow, full of ambiguities, and may not always end in justice.
How accurately do these shows portray actual legal controversies?
Movies and TV shows often fail to portray legal controversies with full accuracy, as they prioritize drama and entertainment over realism. The legal process is typically depicted as fast paced, with courtroom scenes focusing on dramatic confrontations and last-minute revelations. Legal proceedings are often slow, methodical, and involve extensive preparation that is rarely shown on screen. Many legal issues, such as settlement negotiations or the nuances of civil litigation, are oversimplified or ignored altogether. As a result, viewers may develop misconceptions about how the law works and the time required for resolution. For instance, “legal dramas tend to emphasize the adversarial nature of trials,” while in actual practice, a significant number of cases are resolved through plea bargains or settlements outside the courtroom.
References:
Marder, N. S. (2006). The courtroom in literature and the movies: Courtroom scenes outside the courtroom. Chicago-Kent Law Review, 81(2), 991-1033.
Shelton, D. E., Kim, Y. S., & Barak, G. (2006). A study of juror expectations and demands concerning scientific evidence: Does the “CSI effect” exist? Vanderbilt Journal of Entertainment and Technology Law, 9(2), 331-368.
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Assignment 8 (1/4 Page) ask a question to Justice cite one reference.
Justice posted Dec 16, 2024 9:53 PM
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Hey all Happy Week 10,
Movies and TV really do portray the beauty filter as I say of the law, criminal research and police powers. They set unrealistic expectations of the pace in which crimes are investigated, studied, set for trial with sentencing dates. When I was younger I watched CSI Miami faithfully, as an adult, you can clearly see how advanced the technology was for its time. The world clearly was not operating with touch screen motion sensors on hummers rolling around the US solving cases in a single shift for a crime team.
I find the shows very interesting, and honestly they do share enough for a lot of the true legal system to make sense, however this class especially has taught me about jurisdiction. What is happening in NY is not how we may be handling similar situations in NC. So jurisdiction has really helped me understand the jurisdictional issues you see in shows like Bones and Law and Order. Movies such as the Lincoln Lawyer really show a dark side. We did not talk about the “dark side” much in this class. But I thought it was worth mentioning, thus far from what we learned there is clearly some level of danger in certain cases.
What are some shows that you find to be really out there compared to reality?
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Assignment 9 (1/4 Page) ask a question to Chelsea cite one reference.
Chelsea posted Dec 17, 2024 2:07 PM
1. What impact do movies and television shows about the law, criminal investigation, and police have on jurors’ expectations?
-Jurors who watch legal dramas such as CSI and Law & Order may place more emphasis and trust in forensic evidence. They have the expectation that there will be supporting forensic evidence in every case and that it is completely accurate and reliable. This is referred to as the CSI effect. Prosecutors have found that jurors may hesitate to convict if there is a lack of forensic evidence recovered from the crime scene (Wex, 2021).
2. What is your reaction to movies and television shows that you have seen?
-Personally, I think the exaggeration and dramatization of legal proceedings is obvious in most movies and television shows. I enjoy watching true crime documentaries and listening to true crime podcasts more than legal dramas. This may be due to my education or just a personal preference. Of course, every now and then I am entertained by the drama of shows like Suits, but I would never base my expectations of reality off a show like that and I would think, or at least hope, that others wouldn’t either.
3. How accurately do these shows portray actual legal controversies?
-While courtroom etiquette is sometimes portrayed accurately, the extent of objections, surprise witnesses, and drama is often exaggerated for the purpose of added entertainment (Imhoff & Associates, 2023). Movies and TV shows also often misrepresent how lengthy and procedural court proceedings are in reality. Of course, this is likely necessary for the purpose of filming and entertainment. If legal dramas portrayed the reality of time a trial often takes, then viewers would likely lose interest in the movie or show.
Reference
Imhoff & Associates, PC. (August 3, 2023). The Portrayal of Law on TV: Separating Fact from Fiction.LinkedIn. Retrieved from https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/portrayal-law-tv-separating-fact-from-fiction#:~:text=Accuracy%20in%20Legal%20Procedures%3A&text=Courtroom%20Drama%3A%20TV%20shows%20often,on%20TV%20are%20often%20exaggerated.
Wex. (June, 2021). CSI Effect. Legal Information Institute. Retrieved from https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/csi_effect#:~:text=It%20is%20said%20that%20jurors,produced%20in%20every%20criminal%20case.