Tuesday, June 08, 2010

As seen on TV

People always think it's funny when I tell them that I don't watch television shows about lawyers. But I don't -- I can't. I used to, and then I would get angry about how the profession is so distorted.

On television, the case always goes right to trial. But in real life, the trial is only one event in a long chain of events, and in large part, it's kabuki theater -- a show for the judge and/or jury, and by that point, the lawyers and the witnesses have studied their parts, rehearsed their lines, and put on their costumes.

The television viewer doesn't see all of the investigative work that goes into preparing the case -- some of it before it's even filed. The viewer doesn't see all of the motions that are researched, written, filed, and argued before the trial takes place. The viewer doesn't see all the settlement conferences and mediations. The viewer doesn't see all of the scrambling around before the trial starts to get exhibit lists and witness lists prepared and exchanged. The viewer doesn't see all of the long hours in front of the computer screen.

The television viewer sees my job and thinks it's much easier and more glamorous than it is.

3 comments:

Miss Scarlet said...

It's like medical shows, too. I always wonder how many people want to be a lawyer or doctor because of how it's glamorized on TV.

Paige Jennifer said...

Yeah, law school ruined films and television shows that always falsely represent the profession.

And congrats on grad school!

Ed Pilolla said...

i love the courtroom drama that happens on tv absent from real courtrooms. there's drama, but not in a tv way.

and medical shows, especially er shows, everyone is rushing everywhere. how about a real-life er where everyone is walking as slowly as possible, even to someone screaming in agony. i've never seen paramedics run.

don't even get me started on cop shows.