Law in Popular Culture
1456 ABA Journal Law in Popular Culture articles.
“I want this case dismissed.” That’s how many of my new client intakes start, to one degree or another. It may not be the first phrase out of my prospective patron’s mouth, but it comes quickly nonetheless. The demand is often followed by an explanation of the person’s perspective: “I looked at the results on your website, and I know you’ve gotten these types of cases dismissed before,” or “I know (insert previous client’s name), and they said you’re the best and can get rid of this.”
Jun 27, 2022 1:32 PM CDT
Whether we like it or not, automated, driverless vehicles are quickly becoming a reality and a norm in our society. Along with all the benefits the technology and associated services provide, there are also detriments—for civilians and law enforcement alike.
Jun 13, 2022 8:35 AM CDT
The California Supreme Court has disbarred plaintiffs lawyer Tom Girardi, whose firm was portrayed in the movie
Erin Brockovich as helping to obtain a $333 million pollution judgment.
Jun 3, 2022 8:39 AM CDT
Jay Bergen’s representation of Lennon always made for a good story, last month he shared the case on a grander scale. He published Lennon, the Mobster & the Lawyer—The Untold Story, which recounts his representation of Lennon.
May 31, 2022 2:39 PM CDT
Starring Calista Flockhart as the titular character, Ally McBeal ran for five seasons from 1997 to 2002. Created by David E. Kelley, the Fox series followed McBeal as she navigated the intersection between her personal life and law career.
May 26, 2022 8:39 AM CDT
Looking for your next read, TV show or podcast? Start with one of the eight winners of the ABA’s 2022 Silver Gavel Awards for Media and the Arts.
May 18, 2022 11:00 AM CDT
My main office has three large conference rooms. They are outfitted with presentable marble tables and large, comfortable black chairs, and they are adorned with images of the Oklahoma City skyline. More important, though, they have TVs.
May 12, 2022 1:55 PM CDT
Several lawyers with the American Civil Liberties Union reviewed the Washington Post op-ed by actress Amber Heard that led to actor Johnny Depp’s defamation lawsuit against her, according to testimony by the organization’s general counsel last week.
May 2, 2022 8:44 AM CDT
Everyone familiar with this column over the last five years knows its central focus is the intersection of law and pop culture. Most of my installments focus on various forms of media and my observations regarding their law-related issues. There are times when readers will suggest topics by reaching out via email, which I always love receiving. More often than not, though, it’s simply my love for pop culture in the law that allows me to derive legal topics from the media I’m ingesting.
Apr 27, 2022 9:51 AM CDT
Crime is consistent. After all, if we look back to the world’s oldest “criminal codes” (the Code of Ur-Nammu—circa 2100 to 2050 B.C.; the Laws of Eshnunna—circa at least 1930 B.C.; the Code of Lipit-Ishtar—circa 1934 to 1924 B.C.; and the Code of Hammurabi—circa 1755 to 1750 B.C.), we see actions such as false charges and testimony, theft, distraint, trespassing, kidnapping, sexual offenses, bodily harm and murder outlawed, with punishment ranging anywhere from a fine, maiming or death. Although there have seemingly always been penalties, crime continues.
Apr 7, 2022 8:42 AM CDT
First day of April tomfoolery sometimes goes awry. Enter the lawyers—and then it’s no laughing matter.
Mar 30, 2022 12:04 PM CDT
The U.S. Supreme Court agreed Monday to consider whether artist Andy Warhol’s portraits of singer Prince were a transformative use of copyrighted photos that constituted fair use.
Mar 29, 2022 11:19 AM CDT
I was a kid in the early 1990s. More accurately, I was a kid raised by kids. My parents were young, and I saw the gap in age (or lack thereof) as a blessing and a curse. They were young enough that it was difficult for our family at times, but I was able to find an awesome balance between “parent” and “friend.”
Mar 22, 2022 10:11 AM CDT
A book by Anita Hill and a Wall Street Journal story on judicial conflicts of interest are among 29 finalists for the ABA’s 2022 Silver Gavel Awards for Media and the Arts.
Mar 18, 2022 10:00 AM CDT
A Baltimore judge has ordered new DNA testing of evidence in the murder case against Adnan Syed after his lawyer and Baltimore prosecutors supported additional tests.
Mar 14, 2022 8:33 AM CDT
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