The 25 Greatest Legal Movies

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Created by MariusMariusMarius.

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What would Hollywood do without lawyers? In a town built on copyrights and cosmetic surgery, lawyers have done far more than pen the small print in studio contracts or post bail for hollow-eyed stars on the way to and from rehab. From the incisive Henry Drummond and the droll Mr. Lincoln to the callow Danny Kaffee and the regal Atticus Finch, lawyers have provided some of Hollywood’s most memorable cinematic heroes and some of its most honorable and thoughtful films.
Earlier this year, the ABA Journal asked 12 prominent lawyers who teach film or are con­nected to the business to choose what they regard as the best movies ever made about lawyers and the law. We’ve collated their various nominees to produce our jury’s top picks.

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  1. 2 -

    12 Angry Men

    1957, in 30 top lists Check
  2. 1 -

    To Kill a Mockingbird

    1962, in 18 top lists Check
  3. 15 -

    Chicago

    2002, in 7 top lists Check
  4. 9 -

    Erin Brockovich

    2000, in 8 top lists Check
  5. 8 -

    Philadelphia

    1993, in 4 top lists Check
  6. 14 -

    A Few Good Men

    1992, in 3 top lists Check
  7. 16 -

    Kramer vs. Kramer

    1979, in 8 top lists Check
  8. 21 -

    In the Name of the Father

    1993, in 7 top lists Check
  9. 25 -

    Miracle on 34th Street

    1947, in 7 top lists Check
  10. 6 -

    Witness for the Prosecution

    1957, in 11 top lists Check
  11. 4 -

    Anatomy of a Murder

    1959, in 13 top lists Check
  12. 3 -

    My Cousin Vinny

    1992, in 0 top lists Check
  13. 12 -

    Judgment at Nuremberg

    1961, in 8 top lists Check
  14. 24 -

    Amistad

    1997, in 0 top lists Check
  15. 13 -

    A Man for All Seasons

    1966, in 14 top lists Check
  16. 10 -

    The Verdict

    1982, in 7 top lists Check
  17. 11 -

    Presumed Innocent

    1990, in 2 top lists Check
  18. 5 -

    Inherit the Wind

    1960, in 4 top lists Check
  19. 23 -

    Young Mr. Lincoln

    1939, in 8 top lists Check
  20. 18 -

    Reversal of Fortune

    1990, in 1 top list Check
  21. 20 -

    ...and justice for all.

    1979 — a.k.a. And Justice for All, in 0 top lists Check
  22. 7 -

    'Breaker' Morant

    1980 — a.k.a. Breaker Morant, in 5 top lists Check
  23. 22 -

    A Civil Action

    1998, in 0 top lists Check
  24. 17 -

    The Paper Chase

    1973, in 1 top list Check
  25. 19 -

    Compulsion

    1959, in 0 top lists Check
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Last updated on Jan 31, 2012; source