How does a prosecutor regard law he has sworn to uphold when he falls under criminal prosecution himself? This is the intriguing dilemma that director Alan J. Pakula attempts to depict with his theatric version of Scott Turow’s novel “Presumed Innocent”. Protagonist - or potential antagonist at some points- Rusty Sabich, a well respected prosector, battles head on with the legal system after the mysterious death of fellow prosector,and torrid lover, Carolyn Polhemus. With big reveals, corruption, and long, drawn out blank stares from Mr. Sabich around every corner, this film seems more like the romantic/thriller version of the judiciary system in our legal system, rather than a nonfictional depiction. With so many twists an turns, I thought
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“Presumed Innocent” depicts a plethora of instances of individuals breaking these “normative components” that allow for lawful authority to be administered to those who are deserving. I believe this to be important aspect to evaluate when viewing the film, and comparing it to our own justice system. Court representatives claim indubitable objectiveness in their decisions- to not do so would lead to a one way ticket to unemployment. However, it can be inferred that not all legal representatives perceive this ideal as “divine doctrine” as others may- especially in the case of Rusty. Take for instance Judge Lyttle, who accepted a $1,500 bride to drop criminal charges against Leon Wells; an action that I consider the epitome of unlawful service (Additionally to this, Polhemus was a facilitator). This example resonates with the case of Caperton vs Massey Coal Company in regards to a juries, or judges objectiveness in a case based on bribery; or the case of Caperton, monetary funding of supreme court justice Benjamin. Obviously, the example in the film is a hyperbolical version of the Caperton case, but it depicts the “influence” that money can have in judges, or attorneys practice of procedures, or potential sentencing.
Moving on from the wrongdoings of the justice system, the film is quite accurate
“Presumed Innocent” depicts a plethora of instances of individuals breaking these “normative components” that allow for lawful authority to be administered to those who are deserving. I believe this to be important aspect to evaluate when viewing the film, and comparing it to our own justice system. Court representatives claim indubitable objectiveness in their decisions- to not do so would lead to a one way ticket to unemployment. However, it can be inferred that not all legal representatives perceive this ideal as “divine doctrine” as others may- especially in the case of Rusty. Take for instance Judge Lyttle, who accepted a $1,500 bride to drop criminal charges against Leon Wells; an action that I consider the epitome of unlawful service (Additionally to this, Polhemus was a facilitator). This example resonates with the case of Caperton vs Massey Coal Company in regards to a juries, or judges objectiveness in a case based on bribery; or the case of Caperton, monetary funding of supreme court justice Benjamin. Obviously, the example in the film is a hyperbolical version of the Caperton case, but it depicts the “influence” that money can have in judges, or attorneys practice of procedures, or potential sentencing.
Moving on from the wrongdoings of the justice system, the film is quite accurate