I absolutely love crime/legal TV and movies. I grew up watching Criminal Minds, Suits, Law and Order SVU, and all kinds of law-related movies. While all entertaining and certainly ones that I could watch over and over, unfortunately, their depiction of the legal world is far from accurate.
Today I’d like to break down the inaccuracies of these movie/TV shows and hopefully shed some light on what you can actually expect if you should find yourself in the middle of a legal dispute.
Myth: Every Case is an Exciting Nail Biter
Reality = Let’s be honest. The crazed interviews, slamming hands on the table, running to the courthouse, and being dramatic in front of a jury are all for the camera. In reality, cases involve a lot of paperwork, and time, and to be completely truthful can occasionally be boring. But that’s the job. The day-to-day life of real lawyers is never accurately depicted on TV but is essential all the same.
Myth: Court Cases Move at Light Speed
Reality = Legal claims take time. There are depositions, consultations, mediation, and a number of other factors that can cause a case to take weeks, months, and, if especially complicated, years. Unlike the trial that takes 15 minutes on Law and Order, a real court case will likely take a great deal of time.
Myth: All lawyers spend most of their time in the courtroom
Reality = A lot of what a lawyer does involves sitting behind a desk, organizing paperwork, conversing with opposing counsel, or being involved in events outside of the courtroom. Unlike shows like Suits where every attorney in the office has their day in court, some lawyers actually never have to attend a trial in a courtroom and that is just fine, as not every case should go to trial.
Myth: There is always “surprise evidence” or “surprise witnesses”
Reality = All of those “surprises” you see on TV are not possible in the real world. Lawyers are bound by rules of Evidence and Ethics and hiding evidence from other lawyers or clients could lead to that lawyer being reprimanded and potentially disbarred. That “gotcha” moment is only meant for TV.
Myth: Lawyers will try to win by any means necessary
Reality = As stated above, lawyers are bound by rules of ethics. Not to mention, most lawyers will not try to win every case at the expense of truth/honesty. Deceit could lead to losing your license, humiliating yourself, and throwing away all of the hard work that got you to be a lawyer.
I hope you found today’s blog helpful. While I am sure you love legal dramas as much as I do, it is important to know that what the entertainment industry depicts is far from the reality you will experience if you have a legal issue. Should you have any further questions, feel free to call our office!
***This blog is meant to be informational only and nothing in this blog constitutes legal advice of any form. If you have further questions about the legal process, please do not hesitate to contact our office.
Sources:
https://www.paralegaledu.org/2017/10/5-ways-movies-and-tv-get-the-legal-process-wrong/?msclkid=80f957efd05d11ec8dd074e4c3dc4973 https://steadfastclash.com/the-latest/10-lies-about-the-legal-system-we-learned-from-movies-tv/?msclkid=4cc6ab4bd05f11ec88b21e81b2e28e3f
https://www.looper.com/143427/false-things-tv-legal-dramas-made-you-believe/?msclkid=eb3ba8cad06211ec81d1a66fb5ee4b26
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