Introductory description

Legal actors, institutions, and problems have fascinated filmmakers since the early days of cinema. This module examines the ways in which Public Law and the legal system have been represented in a variety of films, and also considers the ways in which films engage with debates and controversies in this area of law. It aims to encourage reflection on the cultural lives of the law and also on a central theme in film studies, legal actors and legal processes. The module is organised thematically and analyses film and Public Law themes from a variety of jurisdictions across the globe. It explores how key legal issues, procedures, and actors are represented on film and how these representations in popular culture in turn influence understandings of the law, and in certain circumstances even its development. In particular, the module will focus on the genre of documentary film because of its commitment to authenticity and investigation of reality, while giving the students the freedom to explore feature films, TV series, and podcasts.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

1. Introduction to Law & Film
2. Colonial Law and Film: Concerning Violence (class screening and discussion)
3. Colonialism, Law, and Reparations: Kenya’s Mau Mau litigation in the UK
4. Torture, Law, and Film: The Pinochet Case
5. Torture and Filmic Intervention: The Troubles in Northern Ireland
6. The Holocaust in Law and Film
7. Holocaust Denial, Law, and Film
8. Law, Gender, and Sexuality on Film
9. Law, Surveillance, and Film: From 1984 to Snowden

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of key areas and debates in the study of Public Law and Film
• Acquire the critical tools needed to analyse current films dealing with Public Law and legal processes
• Draw on a range of theoretical perspectives in order to determine an approach to unfamiliar films
• Demonstrate knowledge of the complex relationships between film text and legal context
• Be able to define a research topic, develop an argument, support findings with evidence, evaluate primary and secondary sources, and articulate findings

Indicative reading list

Some texts from which module readings will likely be drawn, include:
S. Greenfield et al, Film and the Law (2nd Hart 2010)
S. Machura and P. Robson, Law and Film (2nd Ed, Blackwell 2001)
P. Robson and J. Silbey, Law and Justice on the Small Screen (Hart, 2012)
O. Kamir, Framed: Women in Law and Film (Duke, 2006)
B. Nichols, Introduction to Documentary (3rd Ed, Indiana 2017)
R. Sherwin, When Law Goes Pop (University of Chicago Press, 2000)
M. Freeman (ed.), Law and Popular Culture, (OUP, 2005)
A. Sarat (ed.), Blackwell Companion to Law and Society (Wiley-Blackwell, 2008)

Research element

Independent research for assessment preparation

Subject specific skills

This module builds on previously acquired knowledge of Public Law by introducing an interdisciplinary perspective to this field through the medium of film.

Transferable skills

This module enhances the students's legal research, analysis, and writing skills.