InJustice is a 2011 documentary film produced and directed by Brian Kelly. The film features the impact of tort reform on the United States judicial system. The documentary focuses on how the class action lawsuit, born from the Civil Rights Act of 1964, was skillfully managed by a small group of trial attorneys who manipulated legal rules, procedures — and even their own clients — to become an international enterprise that rivals the scope and profits of Fortune 500 corporations.[1] How lawyers managed to maneuver their way into millions and billions by scamming the judicial system via class action lawsuits.[2][3]
| InJustice | |
|---|---|
Poster.jpg) | |
| Directed by | Brian J. Kelly |
| Produced by | Brian J. Kelly |
Release date |
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Running time | 60 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Cases discussed
editThe documentary portrays how trial attorneys set up for huge fees, luring ill or fearful plaintiffs into filing suit after suit are revealed.[4] Later on, the scams were discovered and wiretapped conversations revealed evidence which resulted in sending three of the involved lawyers to federal prison.[2]
Covered in the film are the cases related to asbestos and silicosis, Fen-Phen, and the tobacco settlements.[5][unreliable source?] The film features abuses done in the past by lawyers. Some cases like Dickie Scruggs of Mississippi who pleaded guilty to attempted bribery of a judge; Melvyn Weiss of New York who pleaded guilty to making illegal client kickbacks; and William Lerach of California who pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice are presented in the film.[6][7]
Critical reception
editAccording to the American Bar Association's magazine ABA Journal, InJustice was created to offer a counterpoint to the documentary Hot Coffee, which aired on HBO and at Sundance in 2011.[8] Most of the people portrayed in this film are lawyers and journalists.[9] The movie was backed by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.[10]
Screenings
edit- InJustice Executive Producer Brian Kelly was interviewed on CNBC’s Kudlow Report to discuss his film.[11]
- The Fox News Radio program Kilmeade and Friends host Brian Kilmeade Brian interviewed Brian Kelly.[12]
- In an article in Forbes magazine, Steve Forbes is cited as calling the film "riveting, fascinating," and "a revealing look under the hood of the American lawsuit industry."[13]
References
edit- ^ "InJustice the Film debuts on AXS TV – Estate of Denial". Estateofdenial.com. 2012-12-12. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
- ^ a b "Injustice reigns in Illinois, a judicial hellhole - Illinois Review". Illinoisreview.typepad.com. 2012-08-07. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
- ^ "Documentary about legal system has screening in Charleston | West Virginia Record". Wvrecord.com. 2012-08-14. Archived from the original on 2013-05-14. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
- ^ "Movie focuses on class actions - State News - Charleston Daily Mail - West Virginia News and Sports". Dailymail.com. 2012-08-14. Archived from the original on 2013-04-08. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
- ^ Quigley, Bryan (2012-12-13). "Watch InJustice on AXS TV on December 18". Free Enterprise. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
- ^ 02/08/13 06:28 pm (2012-05-04). "'Injustice' producer joins state legislator for showing". Madison Record. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ "InJustice the Film Making the Rounds in Illinois - Illinois Review". Illinoisreview.typepad.com. 2012-05-02. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
- ^ "Chamber of Commerce-Funded Movie Focusing on Scruggs, Milberg Weiss Is Set to Premiere Monday". ABA Journal. 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
- ^ ""Injustice" features Mississippians - MSNewsNow.com - Jackson, MS". Wlbt.net. 2013-02-05. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
- ^ 02/08/13 02:33 pm (2012-12-14). "'InJustice' premieres Tuesday on ASX TV". Legal Newsline. Archived from the original on 2013-01-23. Retrieved 2013-02-09.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ Class Action Shakedown? - CNBC
- ^ Brian talked to Brian Kelly about is documentary, Injustice! « Kilmeade & Friends
- ^ Daniel Fisher (2012-04-18). "Filmmaker Takes On Lawyers - With Chamber's Help". Forbes. Retrieved 2013-02-09.