Hollywood Courtrooms Versus the Real Thing

We've always known that Hollywood courtroom dramas were an exaggeration of the real thing, and frankly we didn't care. The real thing stinks. I mean, who wouldn't want to be represented by James Woods in court?...

"Just shut up and follow my lead, okay?"

And not this guy...

"If you testify you'll get three years. Take the deal"

Even the judges in Hollywood films are awesome.

 

"R.Kelly, you are hearby found guilty"

And to further illustrate my point, here is the other end of the spectrum...

 

nuff said

 

 

 

So exactly how much liberty is Hollywood taking on their potrayal of the real legal system? Our guess is...a lot. Let's take a look at some popular legal dramas and how their pivotal cases turned out (Spoiler Alert!).

 

 

A Few Good Men

 

 

 

Source: IMDB

 

In this dramatic courtroom thriller, LT Daniel Kaffee, a Navy lawyer who has never seen the inside of the courtroom (which makes him the perfect candidate), defends two stubborn Marines who have been accused of murdering a colleague. Kaffee is known as being lazy and had arranged for a plea bargain. Downey's Aunt Ginny appoints Cmdr. Galloway to represent him (because that's what aunts do) . Also on the legal staff is LTJG Sam Weinberg. The team rounds up many facts and Kaffee is discovering that he is really cut out for trial work (well, isn't that something?). The defense is originally based upon the fact that PFC Santiago, the victim, was given a "CODE RED". Santiago was basically a screw-up. At Gitmo, screw-ups aren't tolerated. Especially by Col. Nathan Jessup. In Cuba, Jessup and two senior officers try to give all the help they can, but Kaffee knows something's fishy. In the conclusion of the film, the fireworks are set off by a confrontation between Jessup and Kaffee.

 

 

 

Reality:

 

One of the most memorable things about this film is the violent outbursts during trial ("You wanna know the truth?! You can't handle the truth!"). However, in a real courtroom, you are expected to act professionally and courteously toward the judge, jury, other parties, and their attorneys. Be prepared, and present your case according to the rules.

If you are observing court proceedings or waiting for your case to be called, sit quietly and be respectful of the court proceedings. Enter and exit the courtroom quickly and quietly. Eating, drinking, and reading are not permitted while the court is in session. Cell phones must be turned off and should remain silent while in the courtroom. If you have questions, please wait for the courtroom to recess to ask the bailiff, court attendant, or court clerk.

 

 

Suspect

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liam Neeson is a deaf-mute homeless man accused of murdering a legal secretary. Cher -- if you can believe it -- is the attorney assigned to defend him, and Dennis Quaid, a lobbyist who pulls jury duty for the case and not only becomes romantically entangled with Cher, but also helps her find out what really happened (which actually all works out better on screen than it sounds on paper)

 

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Reality

 

"Obligation of a citizen to serve on a jury when called. One of the highest duties of citizenship, it accrues from the constitutional right to be tried by a panel of one's peers and involves direct participation in the administration of justice. When summoned for a jury duty, a citizen must appear before the court or be tried for contempt of court."

 

 - Definition of jury duty from Business Dictionary.com

 

As you have probably noticed, romancing the defence attorney and criminal investigation is not a part of the job description.