Product Details

• Actors: Forest Whitaker, Anthony LaPaglia, Rosie Perez, Jennifer Grey, Tony Todd
• Directors: Andy Wolk
• Writers: Andy Wolk
• Producers: Colin Callender, Lydia Dean Pilcher, Michael Apted, Michael Nozik, Robert O'Connor
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, HiFi Sound, NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Hbo Home Video
• VHS Release Date: March 26, 1996
• Run Time: 90 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301982827
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #149,061 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

A knife-scarred victim must identify her assailant beyond a reasonable doubt. Meanwhile the accused is offered a deal if he pleads guilty. Is he as innocent as the victim? Is the justice system guiltier than both? ' 'Keeps you on the edge of your seat.' ' (Houston Chronicle)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Surprisingly Realistic and Thoughtful Entertainment, October 9, 2000

By 

John Hansen (Magic Valley, ID USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Criminal Justice [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I too stumbled across this movie on the Lifetime channel, and was taken by how many aspects of the system it got right. I am a public defender, and I was drawn in by details as small as the lawyers wearing the same good suit two days in a row, to the client's anguish and ambivalence over the plea bargain, and even the drama of whether or not the victim would show up for court. Even the jury selection was done in a truthful and dramatic way. This is a small gem. I'm thinking of showing it to young lawyers in my office to give them a taste of what's in store in real criminal practice. Much better than the average TV courtroom drama.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Striking a Balance, February 16, 2000

By 

Julian P Killingley - See all my reviews

This review is from: Criminal Justice [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I came to this video through a discussion group for criminal law professors. So far as I know it has not been released in the Britain but I was sufficiently intrigued by their comments to buy a copy.

Under normal circumstances I would award 5 stars - however I have given 4 stars as its approach is perhaps a little too documentary for some viewers' tastes. However, I found the film to be gripping, stimulating and extraordinarily accurate in its portrayal of the dilemmas faced by both prosecution and defense in the world of criminal justice.

What all the law professors liked about this film (apart from its legal accuracy!) was the way nothing is presented as being clearcut. For every clue that points towards guilt of the suspect there is another to suggest that the victim is mistaken. Everything is ambiguous and audiences are divided as to whether the defendant is guilty or innocent.

The law professionals context is depicted with gritty reality - the production line justice of the judiciary and the pressure on public defenders to compromise rang real bells with me. The film is a great teaching tool.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Powerful Legal Drama, August 3, 2000

By 

"babyjohnson" (south euclid, ohio USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Criminal Justice [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I had the chance to see this movie last night on Lifetime Television. The movie is a thriller, drama, and suspense all wrapped into one. Although it dosent have a definite course that in hand, it adds to the complex plot. The movie is about a hispanic, prostitue woman who is viciously attacked in an infamous crack/low income neighborhood and a black man who may or may not of committed the crime. The story has many subplots and goes in different directions with a surprise but common ending. If you like an original movie that dosent sugarcoat or per fect the legal system than this movie is for you. Definitely for fans of Rosie Perez or Forrest Whitaker. Note: It is a little dated.