Reading time: four minutes

I hope you’re all enjoying your well-deserved summer break. This blog post follows on from a previous article I wrote in which I recommended five legal films/shows. Part two is here and we’re back with another five.

I’d like to preface that these recommendations shouldn’t be taken as accurate representations of the law. However, most of them are based on a true story, which could pique your interest in a specific area of law or just simply provide entertainment. Whatever you get from it, I hope you find this blog an interesting read. 

1. When They See Us

This is a four-part limited series that recreates the true story of the ‘Central Park Five’ – five juveniles who were falsely accused and convicted of a brutal attack. It follows each of their stories from their coerced confessions all the way to their exoneration, exploring the ramifications on their lives as well as their families. Although it’s a dramatised account, When They See Us delves into the real issues within the US criminal justice system, while touching on themes such as race, classism and misconduct. Even though it’s about a US case, it’s an important miscarriage of justice that every law student should know about. It’s an emotional watch.

2. Depp v Heard 

You may be aware of the infamous defamation case between Johnny Depp and Amber Heard. You may have even watched the live broadcast. Here, Johnny Depp was suing Amber Heard for £50 million in damages for writing an op-ed about her being a domestic abuse survivor. Depp claimed that these accusations were false and defamatory. Amber Heard’s counterclaim was for £100 million.

There’s now a Netflix documentary about this trial that not only shows their testimonies side by side, but also the effects of a televised case. From my studies in university, I’d learnt that defamation cases are generally very expensive and used only by celebrities and the wealthy. Therefore, it was interesting to learn about this high profile, high-stakes case and the effects it has in the modern world. By showing social media responses to each stage, the documentary focuses on how trial by jury can be less important than when one is trialled by the world. 

3. The Judge 

Starring Robert Downey Jr and Robert Duvall, this legal drama centres around a big-city lawyer who returns to his hometown to defend his father, a well-respected judge who’s been accused of murder. Both heartfelt and suspenseful, this film makes you question your thoughts throughout the movie. While it has mixed reviews, I think the leads did a fantastic job at depicting the struggles of pleading the defence of insanity, strained family relationships and the difficulties of going to court. Well-written and produced, it’s very different to any film I’ve seen before and a worthwhile watch. 

4. Witness for the Prosecution 

Originally an Agatha Christie play, Witness for the Prosecution has also been adapted into a highly-acclaimed film and BBC series. It’s therefore very easy to access if you’re in the mood for a high-quality murder mystery.

However, watching the show in the London County Hall was fantastic and I’d highly recommend the experience to budding solicitors and barristers. When a man is put on trial for the murder of a widow, the audience plays the jury (if you pay extra, you sit in the actual jury seats). You get to form your opinion on his innocence and there are multiple plot twists – everyone in the theatre was audibly shocked by the end! Watching a courtroom drama live can also be very helpful in learning about advocacy; the actors did a great job in portraying both prosecution and defence. 

5. The People v OJ Simpson: American Crime Story

This final recommendation is another limited series but this time it revolves around the famous case of 1995 where former NFL player OJ Simpson was accused of murdering his ex-wife Nicole Simpson and her partner Ronald Goldman. While many know of the case, I knew little about it because it took place before I was born. As such, the show was a great introduction to the case and prompted me to conduct further research – it even became part of my extended project qualification on jury nullification. Entertaining and compelling, each episode tackles sensitive issues like sexism and racial injustice. Although it’s a very decisive case, I’d argue that the show remains neutral throughout and allows you to come to your own conclusion after the facts of the matter have been presented. 

Happy watching!

Those were five more recommendations for films/TV shows to watch this summer. I hope you found these little snippets interesting and are inspired to take an interest in legal entertainment.