Friday, August 19, 2011

Running away from authentic justice

The Runaway Jury is one of my favourite John Grisham novels. My son and I watched the movie version recently and really enjoyed it. Given an unexpected twist I think whichever you encounter first (movie or book) will be the one you will enjoy the most. It is interesting that the court case involves the liability of a cigarette company in the book, and this has been changed to a gun manufacturer in the movie.
Both raise important questions about the ethics and social responsibility of large corporations which produce and sell harmful products for large profit. To what extent will they tamper with the justice system to preserve their corporate profits?
On the other hand, the heroes of the plot are a young couple who also manipulate the justice system in order to bring about "justice". Does the end justify the means?
But, it is a great story...

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