University of Illinois Legal Working Paper Series

University of Illinois Law and Economics Working Papers

 

A Different Ethical Issue In Anatomy of a Murder: Friendly Fire from the Cowboy/Hero

Nina W. Tarr, University of Illinois College of Law

Abstract

The article uses the methodologies associated with law, film, and culture to explore how one of the most famous hero/lawyers allows his personal honor and ego to compel him to engage in unethical and unprofessional conduct. ANATOMY OF A MURDER is frequently used as a vehicle to discuss whether a lawyer violates professional ethics rules when he or she gives a client a hint of the law before getting the facts. The hero/lawyer is played by James Stewart who remains as an icon of the cowboy/lawyer who must defend honor to obtain justice. This article examines a different scene through a modern lens to uncover domestic abuse, inflated egos, and professional missteps.

Subject Area

Law and Society, Legal Profession, Professional Ethics, Women

Recommended Citation

Nina W. Tarr, "A Different Ethical Issue In Anatomy of a Murder: Friendly Fire from the Cowboy/Hero" (June 2007). University of Illinois Legal Working Paper Series. University of Illinois Law and Economics Working Papers. Working Paper 78.
http://law.bepress.com/uiuclwps/papers/art78

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