Law in the Media--Accuracies and Misconceptions

Many law television shows strive to entertain, maintain, and accumulate growing audiences with drama-filled episodes and complex character arcs. Some shows depict accurate portrayals of courtroom experiences, but the majority of television shows strive to dramatize cases, laws, and attorneys. As viewers, and people who live in a lawful society, it is important to distinguish between the reality and fiction displayed in the media. To begin, misconceptions about law commence with people’s assumptions about lawyers. These assumptions include the inaccurate beliefs that all lawyers are equally trained, appear perfectly in court, and speak eloquently while defending or seeking justice for clients. Not all attorneys are equal; education, experience, and law firms largely factor into development of an attorney’s skillset. Many lawyers, such as transactional attorneys, never step foot in a courtroom, and spend most of their days in an office researching facts, interviewing clients, and writing legal documents. Massive amounts of paperwork and depositions are required for every case. Legal documents are just as important in the field of law because only what can be proven is true and valid in the court of law.

Another misconception is the presentation of courtrooms on television shows. Many cases settle, or are granted verdicts, only by a local or state judge, not a jury. Despite what is depicted on law-related television shows, only larger and more serious cases require courtrooms and juries to decide verdicts. In relation, not all lawyers are eloquently spoken and attend court regularly. However, the persuasion of speech and semantics are clearly important factors in television dramas and in real life for those lawyers who attend court.

Using the law and proof through evidence, attorneys must represent all clients to the best of their abilities. Media, including television shows, dramatize cases at times to keep viewers interested and attract a larger audience. Some shows, like Law and Order, blend truth with fiction not only to entertain but also to depict real-life law accurately. Script writers, for shows such as Law and Order, draw on real cases and existing laws to attempt to portray law and court justly.

If you feel that you have a case, or wish to speak with an attorney about legal situations, feel free to contact Alvandi Law Group today to speak with a professional. Alvandi Law Group’sPersonal Injury Attorneys may assist with serious and catastrophic injury cases, and, unlike television, Alvandi Lawyers do not dramatize cases because real people mean more. Call today at (800) 980-6905 for a free consultation.