GENCO MEMO: June 10, 2024 My List of Top Courtroom Movies
Here's my List of go-to movies when I want to get in the mood to try a case.
Hello.
I am supposed to be in trial today.
But I’m not.
My case was reset to September after a heated pretrial hearing this past Friday.
(Maybe I can get another one to go before the summer is out.)
Whenever I get excited about trial and then let down, I reach for some of my favorite trial movies and wallow in disappointment.
That’s what I did this weekend.
Here are my top 10 courtroom movies that I choose from.
I'm including a few YouTube clips of my favorite scenes.
They may have spoilers, so proceed with caution!
Oh yeah, at the end I tell you a secret.
My Cousin Vinny (1992) - This is my favorite. It's a comedy featuring Joe Pesci as an inexperienced lawyer from Brooklyn who defends his cousin and friend in a murder trial in Alabama. It came out when I graduated high school, and I still laugh at its ridiculous yet somewhat accurate depiction of courtroom procedures. The scene I'm featuring here is what I imagine in modeling my courtroom demeanor. Also, look out for The Grits Cross-Examination, where Vinny's cross-examination of a witness about the cooking time of grits highlights his unconventional but effective courtroom style and attention to detail.
A Few Good Men (1992) - This one also came out when I graduated high school. Tom Cruise, Jack Nicholson, and Demi Moore, this film revolves around a military court-martial and explores themes of honor, duty, and justice. I'm including the most famous and quoted scene from the movie. Also, pay attention to The Trial Opening Statements, where Lt. Kaffee and the prosecutor, Captain Ross (Kevin Bacon), lay out their cases, setting the stage for the intense courtroom drama.
A Time to Kill (1996) - Based on John Grisham's novel, this film stars Matthew McConaughey, Sandra Bullock, and Samuel L. Jackson. It's a young lawyer defending a black man who killed two white men who raped his daughter. It has one of the best closing arguments put on film.
The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) - Matthew McConaughey plays a charismatic defense attorney who operates out of his Lincoln Town Car. The film follows his efforts to defend a wealthy client accused of assault, with twists and turns that challenge his principles. I like the Cross-Examining Corliss scene where Haller expertly cross-examines a witness, revealing inconsistencies and unraveling the prosecution's case. Here I’m linking the “Rule #1” for a lawyer scene–also known as “looking for Mr. Green.” There is also an outstanding Netflix show.
The Firm (1993) is another based on a John Grisham novel. This one features Tom Cruise as a young attorney who discovers that the law firm he works for is involved in illegal activities. It's a good study of the moral and ethical dilemmas lawyers face. Here is the scene about the bar exam.
Presumed Innocent (1990) - This movie is based on a novel by a practicing attorney, Scott Turow. Harrison Ford stars as a prosecutor accused of murdering his colleague and lover. The film explores themes of betrayal, corruption, and the complexities of the legal system. The cross-examination of the medical pathologist featured in the novel and portrayed in the movie is still used to teach the cross-examination of an expert witness. I’m not linking that scene but this one is also good.
The Rainmaker (1997) - Another film based on a John Grisham novel, this one stars Matt Damon as a young lawyer who takes on a powerful insurance company in a case of bad faith. The film highlights the challenges faced by underdog attorneys, and it came out when I graduated from law school. This movie inspired me to take on any case, no matter the opponent. This scene is how I felt handling my first case weeks after graduating law school.
Primal Fear (1996) - This thriller features Richard Gere as a defense attorney who takes on the case of an altar boy (played by Edward Norton) accused of murdering an archbishop. The film is known for its shocking twists and turns.Especially the ending, which will leave you shocked! I’m not linking that one so you can see it. Here is another good cross-examination. And the music is pretty good, too.
Legally Blonde (2001) - This comedy stars Reese Witherspoon as Elle Woods, a sorority girl who enrolls in Harvard Law School to win back her boyfriend but discovers her legal acumen and passion for the law. It's pure fun and laughs. This scene proves that knowledge–even beauty knowledge–can be pivotal for cross-examination.
From the Hip (1987) - This legal comedy-drama stars Judd Nelson as Robin "Stormy" Weathers, a young and ambitious attorney who uses unorthodox methods to win cases. As he gains fame and success, he is assigned a high-profile murder case that challenges his ethics and legal skills. I saw this one as a kid and have seen it a hundred times since. I modeled myself on his creativity.
Here’s the secret. This is the scene that started it all for me. I could recite it word-for-word as a kid.
I hope you enjoy these as much as I do.
That is all.
Have a good rest of your week.
Jaime- Thanks for sharing this. I've been looking around for some great courtroom content on screen. This is a fitting find. Hope you're well this week. Cheers, -Thalia