Court In The Act (Press, 6 November 1980)
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Summary: Court In The Act (Press, 6 November 1980)
The film "And Justice For All" is portrayed as a dark comedy that critiques the American legal system through the stories of its main characters. Central to the narrative is Arthur Kirkland, played by Al Pacino, a passionate and idealistic criminal lawyer who holds a firm belief in the concepts of guilt and innocence, despite the morally ambiguous landscape of his profession. The film reveals a world where lawyers often prioritise their reputations over their clients' well-being and where prosecutors are more concerned with statistical successes than justice. The storyline introduces several absurd and troubling scenarios within the legal framework. One of Kirkland's clients has endured two years in jail due to a wrongful conviction stemming from a traffic violation and a case of mistaken identity. This situation underscores the flawed nature of the legal system, with even the presiding judge acknowledging the client's innocence, yet refusing to release him. Another incident involves a transvestite client who, despite being deserving of probation, is improperly represented due to a co-counsel's negligence in not reviewing vital case notes during a hearing. The film also explores Kirkland's personal life, notably his relationship with a lawyer who is part of the ethics committee investigating his courtroom conduct. This relationship adds another layer of complexity as it intersects with his professional challenges. Kirkland develops a conflict with a tyrannical judge who, after citing him for contempt, seeks Kirkland's defence in a case that involves serious allegations of rape and assault. In essence, "And Justice For All" paints a grim picture of a legal system inhabited by eccentric characters grappling with ethical dilemmas, personal conflicts, and the overarching theme of justice, or the lack thereof. The film offers a satirical lens through which audiences can examine the often-chaotic dynamics of the courtroom and the individuals who operate within it.
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