GUEST COLUMN: 5 Movies That Address Court Cases

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5 Movies That Address Court Cases

by Lewis Robinson

If you are someone who enjoys hearing about people facing criminal trials for heinous crimes, you are not alone. A lot of people enjoy watching the news to see what scary and shocking things have taken place near them. You may know about people breaking the law, but there is something about learning more about the accused and why they are the way that they are. 

Many people love watching crime shows and movies where the bad guy gets caught. It could be something about justice being served, but it may be the fact that people like the drama. You might be a fan of famous court cases, but may not be aware that many of them have been made into a movie. Read on for a list of 5  court cases that have been made into movies. 

Portland Expose

Portland Expose is an American film released in 1957, which is based in Portland, Oregon. It is about a man who owns a tavern and there are two different gangs who are trying to take over the neighborhood it is in. When his daughter is attacked by a gang member, he decides it is time to flee for safety. He attempts to take justice into his own hands by tape recording important evidence. Although he fears revenge, union members help his family. This movie features Edward Binns as George Madison. For more information on real court cases in Portland, Oregon, you may ask court reporters in Portland, Oregon.

To Kill a Mockingbird

This film is based on a novel written by Harper Lee. The book won many awards so it was turned into a movie. It took place during the 1930s in the state of Alabama. It is about the story of a young black man who is falsely accused of raping a young white woman. He has an attorney who goes to battle for him, despite all of the racial tension during that time.

It stars Gregory Peck, as Atticus Finch, the attorney. Brock Peters plays the defendant named Tom Robins. In 1995, this film was inducted into the National Film Registry because of its importance pertaining to history and culture. 

Judgment At Nuremberg

This movie features a character named Chief Judge Dan Haywood, who is played by a man named Spencer Tracy. It came out in 1961. It is about an American judge who is presiding over the trial of four different German soldiers. The soldiers are being accused of horrible charges like crimes against humanity and Nazi activity. Mr. Haywood visits Germany to research the case and how these offenses may have taken place. This film has also been inducted into the National Film Registry, alongside To Kill a Mockingbird. 

A Few Good Men

A Few Good Men movie came out in 1992. It is considered a thriller that happens to be about a legal case. The cast includes famous actors Tom Cruise and Demi Moore. It is about seeking justice for the murder of a member of the United States Navy, taking place in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba.

The killing was allegedly committed by two men in the United States Marines. It was reported that the man died during a hazing ritual that was ordered by Lieutenant Jonathan Kendrick, played by Kiefer Sutherland. This film is known for its famous line, "You can't handle the truth!"

My Cousin Vinny

Taking place in a small town in the state of Alabama, My Cousin Vinny is about a personal injury lawyer who does not have much experience. He passed the bar exam after taking it six times, and he works to defend a convenience store clerk and his friend from murder. Even though this movie is in the comedy genre, it was praised for its realistic picture of the procedures that come about in a courtroom. The movie includes actress Marisa Tomei, who plays Vinny's girlfriend, Mona Lisa Vita. Vita won an award for Best Supporting Actress.