Legal lessons from "The Verdict", the iconic lawyer movie from 1982

For educational / scholarly purposes only.
From the full-length 2.0cr CLE video "The Verdict: Why Ask Why?" available free to watch in its entirety on GardenStateCLE.com.
This CLE uses clips from Sidney Lumet's lawyer movie masterpiece "The Verdict" (starring Paul Newman) to illustrate some timeless lessons for attorneys. And stick around until the end of the clip to see if you can spot the hidden A-list actor in the courtroom.

[@michaelg.golden7327]

Terrific performance by Newman in a memorable role. The opening scene where Newman is falling against the office wall very drunk was great and I thought the scene where the nurse says "Who are these people?" in the testimony was great. Also, the finale of Newman's last speech was also memorable. I read the novel but Mamet's screenplay was outstanding. I agree that Newman was robbed of an Oscar for this performance.

[@lenorepaletta9267]

The music, the lighting, the actors!

[@paddyodriscoll8648]

The Verdict might be the best movie of all time.

[@brianwalsh1401]

Definitely one of them.

[@Mostopinionatedmanofalltime]

Paul Newman was robbed of his Oscar for the Verdict. Total injustice!😢

[@KNS1996DFS]

During the reading of the verdict, Bruce Willis is sitting next to Tobin Bell of The Firm and Saw fame.

[@alanrogs3990]

Since the doctor knew what he did (previously) it was a little strange that he offered up such an answer to Paul Newman's question. That makes the film even more enjoyable. Also the interaction between Newman and the judge is excellent. I watch this film at least once a year.

[@ralphholiman7401]

Its a good legal movie. I've tried sixty jury trials, and its a lot more accurate than most litigation movies.

[@alanrogs3990]

I wonder if it is common to send in a woman to seduce lawyers for information?

[@jandekker6008]

Wonderful point about using that 'defeated' demeanor on purpose!

[@alanrogs3990]

"Board bar overseers"? Would the judge be correct in making a complain about Newman's telling the judge to stop losing his case for him? It would appear that the judge would get in hot water himself if the board found out why Newman's character said that.

[@mark-shane]

The judge told the jury to Disregard completely the Costallo testament with the 1 hour eaten before paper .. clearly they didnt, alot more legal stuff to discuss in this video that you havent

[@chrissilkwood5439]

I believe that decision was "movie drama" - in court, the record would have been tossed, but not her direct testimony that stated the doctor told her to revise her admittance form.

[@alanrogs3990]

@@chrissilkwood5439 Can't a judge basically toss out a jury's decision anyway?

[@alanrogs3990]

That was the point of Newman's summation, "you (the jury) are the final say)

[@chrissilkwood5439]

had I tried the case, I would have also added a gastro expert to testify how the food particles wound up in the her mouth well past the normal digestion timeframe of one hour.

[@yodatooba6444]

I clicked through and didn't see the scene of the prep by the Boston firm partner Concannon of the witness doctor.

[@paularnold1930]

It's there. And very funny. James M Is brilliance

[@ErnieJJr1476er]

5💫

[@axxellein]

TRES Cool/Heavy!

[@take5th]

Drug recognition experts? Lol.