Ghosts of Mississippi (1996)

Relevant to this Segment

1. As you watch the film notice the reluctance of the prosecution to re-open an old case. Even to eventual hero of the case is reluctant at first and affected by political and family pressures. The assumptions the assistant D.A. has initially about the case melt away, though, as he begins to investigate the facts, and as the victim becomes more personal and real to him through the evidence. Is there any point at which it has been too long to prosecute a murder case? Is there a statute of limitations on murder?
   
   Our thoughts: There is no statute of limitations for murder. The more realistic consideration is whether evidence is still good many years later and whether the chain of custody for that evidence has been maintained. Chain of custody is the procedure by which evidence that is obtained by the government is recorded, logged, and maintained. If the chain is broken, the evidence may not be admissible because it could be corrupted or contaminated.
   
   
2. The key to re-opening the case becomes the transcript of the trial record. Many of the witnesses from the original trial have died and the only way to use their testimony is to read it from a certified court transcript. However, the transcript has disappeared. The procedure for using such a transcript is very specific. What is it called when testimony is read from a transcript of recorded testimony into a trial for the jury's consideration?
   
   Our thoughts: When testimony from a trial or deposition (usually that has been transcribed) is read into a new trial as evidence, that is called "perpetuating testimony." It can be quite unusual to witness. A person will be chosen to read the answers to the questions propounded by the attorney, who in turn reads the questions that were asked during the original testimony. Very much like reading a script. The individuals reading the testimony must read it exactly, word for word. The person who reads the part of the person who gave the testimony will be on the witness stand and must not try to impart any emotion or emphasis at all. He or she must read the testimony flat, without any intonation. This is to avoid the possibility of giving the wrong inference to the jury as to the original witness's intent (which can only be guessed at by the person reading the testimony).
   
   
3. Notice the scenes where Myrlie Evers is accompanied by her children, including her daughter, Reena and her son, James. James is played by the real son of Medgar and Myrlie Evers, James Van Evers. Reena is played by Yolanda King, daughter of Martin Luther King, Jr.
   
   Our thoughts: When you realize that this movie is true, and that the children of two men who died for the civil rights movement are in the movie, it seems to make it even more touching. One more thing. How about Whoopi Goldberg in that final scene on the steps of the courthouse? Really impressive.
   
   
4. Fun facts: During the scene where Alec Baldwin is watching a movie on a date, he is upset and storms out. What is the movie being watched? Also, you may be surprised by who directed this movie.
   
   Our thoughts: Did you see it? The movie being shown in the theater was "Presumed Innocent." There was even a poster of the movie in the background outside the theater. And who would have thought that Rob Reiner, known mostly for romantic comedy movies, would direct such a powerful dramatic film. A few of Mr. Reiner's films include: The Sure Thing; When Harry Met Sally; The Princess Bride; The American President.

Classic Film Recommendation

• To Kill a Mockingbird (1962) starring Gregory Peck.