A Lesson in Courtroom Dynamics From “A Few Good Men”

“A Few Good Men,” directed by Rob Reiner, isn’t just a cinematic landmark for its memorable lines and intense drama. It offers a window into the world of courtroom strategy and dynamics. The film stands out for its authentic courtroom moments, but it’s not without a few cinematic liberties that might raise an eyebrow or two in legal circles.

The Double-Edged Sword of Courtroom Objections

A pivotal moment in the film occurs during a courtroom scene involving Lieutenant Commander Joanne Galloway (Demi Moore) and Captain Jack Ross (Kevin Bacon). Galloway objects to Ross’s questioning of Dr. Stone (Christopher Guest) about Private Santiago’s cause of death. The Judge had overruled a previous objection and allowed Dr. Stone to give his opinion, but Galloway again objects to Dr. Stone’s qualifications. Once a judge rules, that’s it. It’s done. Galloway’s repeated objections, particularly her “strenuous” second objection, not only fall on deaf ears but also inadvertently undermine her position. The Judge’s repeated dismissals of her objections unintentionally bolsters the jury’s impression of Dr. Stone’s credibility as an expert witness. This scene is a prime example of a real-world legal principle: less is sometimes more. In trying too hard to block or challenge testimony, an attorney can inadvertently enhance the opposing witness’s reliability in the eyes of the jury.

The Power of Cross-Examination

It’s impossible to reference “A Few Good Men” without decrying its most famous line, “You can’t handle the truth!” What an amazing line and crescendo to the figurative dance between Lt. Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) and Col. Nathan Jessup (Jack Nicholson). The scene excels in depicting the nuanced art of cross-examination by showcasing Kaffee’s skillful manipulation of Jessup during testimony. A disciplined soldier, Jessup proves a disciplined witness as well and his careful responses seem to be a win for the prosecution. However, if you get someone to talk long enough, they’ll eventually reveal their true colors. That’s exactly what happened here. Kaffee’s calculated disrespect and provocation unravels Jessup, a man unaccustomed to insolence from those around him. Jessup loosens up. He begins to do more than just answer Kaffee’s questions. He begins to talk, explain, and argue. And that is exactly what a skilled defense attorney aims to do. This scene brilliantly illustrates how a well-executed cross-examination can turn the tide of a case. Bravo.

Flawed Depiction of Presenting Evidence in Court

Despite these highlights, the film is not without some misrepresentations of legal proceedings. A small but notable example is Kaffee’s handling of the flight logs while cross-examining Jessup. Jessup told Kaffee under oath that the earliest flight to transfer Santiago off base was 6 a.m., which was unfortunately too late because Santiago was killed in the middle of the night. But that was a lie. Kaffee asserts he has flight records showing an earlier flight at 11 p.m. the previous night. Santiago was not on that flight because he was never going to be transferred. But the film simplifies the process of evidence presentation. Proper courtroom protocol would require Kaffee to present a witness who could authenticate the flight records, or there would need to be a stipulation from both sides about what the records yield. But Kaffee does none of this. He only picks up the flight records and tells the Judge what the records say. Kaffee goes on to say that two airmen present at the time of the earlier flight would testify about the earlier flight’s existence, but Ross objects. At this point, there would be a sidebar – a meeting at the bench out of earshot of the jury – about what the witnesses would testify about. Otherwise, the defense would be presenting evidence not yet allowed to be heard. Instead, the cross-examination continues and Jessup unravels, finally admitting to ordering a “code red” that led to Santiago’s death.

“A Few Good Men” Skillfully Balances Drama With Legal Realism

“A Few Good Men” is a testament to the compelling nature of legal dramas, skillfully blending cinematic storytelling with elements of real-world legal proceedings. While it captures the essence of legal strategy and courtroom dynamics, it occasionally takes liberties to ease the burden of storytelling or for dramatic effect. Nevertheless, the movie remains a captivating watch, offering both entertainment and a glimpse into the complexities of military justice.