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US Mall 1 - Criminal Justice
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List Price: $4.97
Our Price:
Your Save: $ 4.97 ( 100% )
Availability:
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
Starring: Forest Whitaker, Anthony LaPaglia, Rosie Perez, Jennifer Grey, Tony Todd
Directed By: Andy Wolk
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Average Customer Rating:  
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Audience Rating: R (Restricted)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786301982825
Format: Closed-captioned
ISBN: 6301982827
Label: Hbo Home Video
Manufacturer: Hbo Home Video
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Hbo Home Video
Release Date: 1996-03-26
Running Time: 92
Studio: Hbo Home Video
Theatrical Release Date: 1990-09-08
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Useful in college classroom
Comment: I teach political science in a community college and use this video every semester. As another reviewer mentioned it does have some documentary qualities to it -- that is perfect for the classroom. Even though it is several years old, it is still quite relevant when discussing the fairness of the criminal justice system, the incredible impact to our society due to the number of people in the criminal justice system, overcrowding, relevance to the Constitution (jury of one's peers, speedy trial, cruel and unusual punishment, etc). It has strong language and scenes, but that keeps the students interested. It is very interesting to have discussions about whether the character is guilty or innocent -- or just a victim of racism and/or the system. Excellent teaching tool that I highly recommend. I need it on DVD.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly Realistic and Thoughtful Entertainment
Comment: I too stumbled across this movie on the Lifetime channel, and was taken by how many aspects of the system it got right. I am a public defender, and I was drawn in by details as small as the lawyers wearing the same good suit two days in a row, to the client's anguish and ambivalence over the plea bargain, and even the drama of whether or not the victim would show up for court. Even the jury selection was done in a truthful and dramatic way. This is a small gem. I'm thinking of showing it to young lawyers in my office to give them a taste of what's in store in real criminal practice. Much better than the average TV courtroom drama.
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Powerful Legal Drama
Comment: I had the chance to see this movie last night on Lifetime Television. The movie is a thriller, drama, and suspense all wrapped into one. Although it dosent have a definite course that in hand, it adds to the complex plot. The movie is about a hispanic, prostitue woman who is viciously attacked in an infamous crack/low income neighborhood and a black man who may or may not of committed the crime. The story has many subplots and goes in different directions with a surprise but common ending. If you like an original movie that dosent sugarcoat or per fect the legal system than this movie is for you. Definitely for fans of Rosie Perez or Forrest Whitaker. Note: It is a little dated.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Striking a Balance
Comment: I came to this video through a discussion group for criminal law professors. So far as I know it has not been released in the Britain but I was sufficiently intrigued by their comments to buy a copy.Under normal circumstances I would award 5 stars - however I have given 4 stars as its approach is perhaps a little too documentary for some viewers' tastes. However, I found the film to be gripping, stimulating and extraordinarily accurate in its portrayal of the dilemmas faced by both prosecution and defense in the world of criminal justice. What all the law professors liked about this film (apart from its legal accuracy!) was the way nothing is presented as being clearcut. For every clue that points towards guilt of the suspect there is another to suggest that the victim is mistaken. Everything is ambiguous and audiences are divided as to whether the defendant is guilty or innocent. The law professionals context is depicted with gritty reality - the production line justice of the judiciary and the pressure on public defenders to compromise rang real bells with me. The film is a great teaching tool.
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Editorial Reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: Useful in college classroom
Comment: I teach political science in a community college and use this video every semester. As another reviewer mentioned it does have some documentary qualities to it -- that is perfect for the classroom. Even though it is several years old, it is still quite relevant when discussing the fairness of the criminal justice system, the incredible impact to our society due to the number of people in the criminal justice system, overcrowding, relevance to the Constitution (jury of one's peers, speedy trial, cruel and unusual punishment, etc). It has strong language and scenes, but that keeps the students interested. It is very interesting to have discussions about whether the character is guilty or innocent -- or just a victim of racism and/or the system. Excellent teaching tool that I highly recommend. I need it on DVD.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Surprisingly Realistic and Thoughtful Entertainment
Comment: I too stumbled across this movie on the Lifetime channel, and was taken by how many aspects of the system it got right. I am a public defender, and I was drawn in by details as small as the lawyers wearing the same good suit two days in a row, to the client's anguish and ambivalence over the plea bargain, and even the drama of whether or not the victim would show up for court. Even the jury selection was done in a truthful and dramatic way. This is a small gem. I'm thinking of showing it to young lawyers in my office to give them a taste of what's in store in real criminal practice. Much better than the average TV courtroom drama.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Powerful Legal Drama
Comment: I had the chance to see this movie last night on Lifetime Television. The movie is a thriller, drama, and suspense all wrapped into one. Although it dosent have a definite course that in hand, it adds to the complex plot. The movie is about a hispanic, prostitue woman who is viciously attacked in an infamous crack/low income neighborhood and a black man who may or may not of committed the crime. The story has many subplots and goes in different directions with a surprise but common ending. If you like an original movie that dosent sugarcoat or per fect the legal system than this movie is for you. Definitely for fans of Rosie Perez or Forrest Whitaker. Note: It is a little dated.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Striking a Balance
Comment: I came to this video through a discussion group for criminal law professors. So far as I know it has not been released in the Britain but I was sufficiently intrigued by their comments to buy a copy.Under normal circumstances I would award 5 stars - however I have given 4 stars as its approach is perhaps a little too documentary for some viewers' tastes. However, I found the film to be gripping, stimulating and extraordinarily accurate in its portrayal of the dilemmas faced by both prosecution and defense in the world of criminal justice. What all the law professors liked about this film (apart from its legal accuracy!) was the way nothing is presented as being clearcut. For every clue that points towards guilt of the suspect there is another to suggest that the victim is mistaken. Everything is ambiguous and audiences are divided as to whether the defendant is guilty or innocent. The law professionals context is depicted with gritty reality - the production line justice of the judiciary and the pressure on public defenders to compromise rang real bells with me. The film is a great teaching tool.
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