I just spent the weekend at a work retreat, and I’m about to embark on the first of several airplane jaunts. So my postings might be a bit sporadic for a few weeks. But I wanted to bring up a topic I was discussing with my colleagues this weekend: movies that get criminal justice right. Although I often critique portrayals of the justice system, sometimes it’s done well enough that I use a clip in my classes to illustrate a point. Sure, we can allow the filmmakers a bit of room for artistic license and the needs of the film, but here are a few well-executed movies to begin with. Do you have any to add to the list? Please mention them in the comments.

12 Angry Men

My Cousin Vinny

Cool Hand Luke

American History X

Inherit the Wind

Serpico

Shawshank Redemption