Assignment
Watch two of the following movies and write 4 to 5 pages paper analyzing, comparing, and contrasting the two films.
Identify and discuss at least 3-5 ethical issues in each movie. Be sure to note not only violations of lawyer (and/or non-lawyer) ethical duties (i.e., confidentiality, solicitation, evidence tampering, candor, competence, reasonable fees, etc.), but also examples of lawyers (and/or non-lawyers) upholding the ideals of legal ethics (i.e., diligence, zealous representation, etc.). For each duty noticed, mention in the body of your paper the appropriate rule of professional conduct, whether being practiced or violated, as well as cite separately in your references section. Illustrate "how" the rule applies to each factual instance.
You may look to either or both Virginia's or the ABA's Model Rules of Professional Conduct for support.
Also, write about the following:
1) For each issue spotted, what did you think of the scenario? How would you have handled things differently? Or would you have?
2) If you had previously seen a movie, did you look at it through a new lens or notice different aspects of it, due to what you have learned thus far in this class? If so, what?
3) Was one movie better at depicting the ethical considerations surrounding lawyers and nonlawyers than the other? How so?
4) What do you think about looking to movies for learning about legal ethics? Is this a valid exercise, relying on the entertainment industry for examples of the proper and improper practice of law? Or, are there better methods of examining illustrations of ethical dilemmas in the legal field?
a) Erin Brokovich
b) A Civil Action
c) Runaway Jury
d) My Cousin Vinny
e) The Lincoln Lawyer
f) Primal Fear
g) Anatomy of a Murder
h) Dark Waters
i) Devil's Advocate
j) Puncture
k) The Rainmaker
l) The Client
m) The Firm
n) The Verdict
o) The Dark Knight
p) Chicago
q) Legally Blonde
r) Michael Clayton.
Format your assignment according to the following formatting requirements:
(1) The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
(2) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
(3) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.