Law at the Movies: Turning Legal Doctrine into Art

Stanley Fish's book explores how legal doctrine can be turned into filmic art, focusing on the specific rules and procedures invoked and analyzed by courts to declare a decision. These rules and procedures do not serve as a background to the substantive issues that drive the plot but declare the plot and form and test the characters in relationship to their demands.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Oxford University Press

This book delves into the captivating question of how legal doctrine can be transformed into cinematic art. Stanley Fish, in his interpretation, does not refer to the sonorous abstractions often associated with the self-presentation of law. Instead, he focuses on the specific rules and procedures invoked and analyzed by courts in the process of declaring a decision. These include lawyer/client confidentiality, the distinction between interdicted violence and the violence performed by the legal system, the interplay of positive law and laws rooted in morality, the difference between civilian law and military law, the death penalty, the admissibility of different forms of evidence, and many more.

In the movies that Fish discusses, these doctrinal points and procedures do not serve as a mere backdrop, occasionally visited, to the substantive issues that drive the plot and provide the characters with choices. Instead, they declare the very essence of the plot, shaping the characters and testing their resilience in response to their demands. Interestingly, technical matters are often pushed to the forefront, occupying both the foreground and background, becoming the true subject of the movie. As the narrative unfolds, large, abstract concepts emerge, but they do so at the back end of doctrine. These concepts are not merely thematic elements added to the film; rather, they are produced by the very essence of legal process itself.

It is important to note that these movies are not law-themed in the traditional sense. Rather, they are movies about the unfolding of legal process. They offer a unique perspective on the legal system, shedding light on its complexities, nuances, and the profound impact it has on individuals and society. Through the lens of these films, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the legal profession, the judicial system, and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the pursuit of justice.

In conclusion, this book provides a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between legal doctrine and cinematic art. Stanley Fish's insights offer a fresh perspective on the potential of film to capture the essence of legal process and shed light on the broader societal implications of legal decisions. By examining the movies discussed in this book, viewers can gain a deeper appreciation for the power of storytelling and the role that cinema plays in shaping our understanding of the world.

Weight: 380g
Dimension: 143 x 223 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198898726