Nirvana for Armchair Legal Eagles

The internet, and the concomitant explosion of “content” (and I use that term VERY loosely!) available to everyone for free, has its good and bad. There is a lost of mindless rubbish out there and yes, huge amounts of dangerous content especially for children. But as far as I’m concerned, it is a huge boon for people like me. By “me”, do I mean old, grumpy, semi-alcoholic, overeating cynic? Yes, that too…but in this context, a frustrated a lawyer. No, I did not study law (I probably should have in hindsight!), but I find the legal process enthralling, simply because it does to a large extent. tie into another passion of mine (which I did study), psychology. The legal maneuvering, the examination and cross-examination of witnesses and, of course, the criminal mind I find not only fascination, but rather compelling. And now, thanks to the internet, there are cases galore being tried on your nearest device. Currently, there are at least two cases that I’ve been following closely, popcorn in hand, from the comfort of my armchair. Just a few days ago, the Involuntary Manslaughter charge against Hannah Guiterrez-Reed, armourer on the set of the movie “Rust”, was resolved. She was found guilty – and Hollywood A-lister Alec Baldwin is being tried in July on the same charge. And for the first time parents are being charged for the school shooting that their son committed. In both these cases fundamental issues are at stake, and it is fascination how it is being played out. And we get to watch it…word for word. It’s almost like the Roman Colosseum…but with popcorn. And even more interesting, there are a number of sites run by lawyers or other legal experts that give commentary on the trials. Truly fascinating. If this is your thing, check out these links. They are some of the most compelling closing arguments in these recent cases…