The Verdict (1982)
Frank Galvin is a down-on-his luck lawyer, reduced to drinking and ambulance chasing. His friend and former associate feeds him a case on a silver platter: a medical malpractice case where all parties are willing to settle out of court. Blundering his way through the preliminaries, he suddenly realizes that perhaps the case should go to court after all. That justice will not be served by a quick settlement. With his human and legal flaws exposed in the process, Galvin struggles against his rich and powerful counterpart (excellently played by James Mason) and against a judge more interested in getting the case off his books. At stake is justice for his client, his faith in the legal process, and his belief in himself.
One of the best legal movies ever made, the part of Frank Galvin is portrayed by Paul Newman in one of his strongest roles.
What to do
Get some popcorn, rent the video, and watch the movie. Consider the themes and questions presented below. Even if you have seen it before, watch it again from the viewpoint of a paralegal-to-be.
Major Themes
Medical malpractice; civil litigation; legal ethics
Relevant to this Segment
Alternate Film
Additional comments will be provided at the end of this Segment.