Critics’ Reviews

The Drama of the Courtroom is a filmography – a compendium of films in which courtroom scenes are integral to the plot. Titles are listed by subject matter and jurisdiction. An abstract of the plot, legal lesson, running time and counter numbers (laser disc and time mode) is included . . . It is a useful tool for educators who find value in popular culture. . . .

To the wider community, law provides a plethora of dramatic episodes. The human quest for ‘justice’ and the various interpretations thereof, create student expectations that law is dramatic. Courtroom films provide the main source of community knowledge of the law in practice but in many cases they do not represent ‘real law’ – how should this distinction be explained in the classroom if at all?

Laster’s opinion is that ‘the popularity of the film courtroom is an intriguing social phenomenon which demands better explanation.’ The first section of this filmography explores the pedagogical applications of the courtroom. The thesis is that regardless of jurisdictional boundary, popular depictions of the law in practice can provide a valuable resource that promotes student learning.

For those educators who abhor the popular culture courtroom, this book is not for you. For educators who ascribe to the author’s thesis, this is a must. – Proctor (Queensland Law Society), 2001

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