The Unique Aspects of California Law
California, with its unique fusion of cultures, a vast and diverse population and an economy larger than most countries, is fertile ground for compelling and ambitious courtroom tales. The state has long been considered the hub of legal dramas, both on television and in the movies, as series and films have often mirrored California’s rich history of real-life trials and the larger than life lawyers who fought them. From the bitter divorce of rock royalty to the historic trial of a kooky heiress, California has always served as a backdrop to some of the most outrageous and often scandalous cases to ever hit the news. By its very nature, however, California’s legal landscape is as fluid as the Pacific Ocean crashing against its shoreline and ever-changing like the sun setting below the San Gabriel Mountains . Consider these interesting facts:
California is the only state in the country that employs the modified American rule of fee shifting, meaning that the winning party cannot always recover its fees from the losing side. Though California is permissive in its allowance of contingency fee agreements, such as those commonly used in personal injury or whistleblower lawsuits, it continues to reject the so-called English rule that would hold the loser responsible for both parties’ attorneys’ fees. California has a separate group of administrative courts, known as "ALJ" courts that hear matters such as professional discipline, insurance industry appeals and business regulation matters outside the Superior Court system.
Popular Legal Dramas in the Golden State
California has been the setting for a number of television shows. Out of all the genres of shows produced in this community, one of the most notable are the legal dramas. Some of the most popular television shows set in California are legal dramas. Ally McBeal, one of the most famous legal shows set in California, was a major hit between 1997 and 2002. The series featured actor Alan E. kabla as well as a host of other famous actors. Centers around the comings and goings of a legal office, and the romance and drama that ensue, Ally McBeal quickly became one of the best legal televised series set in California. Another popular show set in California is The Practice. The show, which aired between 1997 and 2004, was created by actor David E. Kelley. The Practice was considered a major hit on primetime television, and the show was viewed by millions of devoted fans. The series Snowy focused on the lives of lawyers, and the problems they often face in dealing with crime and corruption. The Practice featured actors such as Michael Vartan and numerous others.
Legal Themes and Storylines in California
Legal dramas set in California often tackle some of the most pressing social and political issues of our time. The state’s diverse population and complex legal landscape provide a rich canvas for writers and producers to explore a range of relevant themes and storylines.
One common theme among these shows is the question of justice and its accessibility to all. Many programs shine a light on the disparities faced by underprivileged communities in California’s legal system. By focusing on the struggles of immigrants, prisoners, or marginalized populations, these dramas raise awareness about systemic issues that may not be immediately apparent to the viewer.
Another prevalent storyline involves the balance of power within the legal system itself. California’s legal dramas often highlight the tensions between various state agencies — including law enforcement, the judiciary, and regulatory bodies — as well as the battles between the government and private corporations. This examination of power dynamics allows viewers to better understand the complexities and limitations of the legal system.
The state’s extensive history of experimental legislation, such as Proposition 65, is another theme that is ripe for legal drama. The tension surrounding California’s environmental laws and regulations often serves as a backdrop for these television shows, and conflicts related to land use, public health, and economic development are common areas of focus.
Finally, the representation of California’s legal landscape as a microcosm of global legal challenges further enhances the drama’s allure. Many of these shows engage with contemporary issues like cybercrime, human trafficking, and white-collar crime — problems that, while not unique to California, are relevant across the globe.
Through engaging with the culture, history, and legal challenges unique to California, legal dramas provide viewers with an in-depth perspective on the state’s legal landscape and the multifaceted nature of its legal challenges.
Notable Courtrooms and Filming Spots
Courtrooms are the ultimate expression of the law—they have an air of solemnity and authority that naturally captures our imagination. On-screen, they can provide a powerful backdrop to some of the most heated and intense moments in a series, and are proven to be a hugely popular component of on-screen dramas. In a state as wide-ranging as California, its natural beauty and endless variety provide directors with a range of stunning backdrops in which to set their latest scenes. In 2013 the courtroom scenes of the much acclaimed, widely lauded series "Rake" were filmed at the Governor’s Mansion in Sacramento, the current residence of California Governor Jerry Brown. The mansion was built in 1877, at the request of then Governor John Downey, who wanted something befitting his new position. The building is now the official home of the Governor and his immediate family. It is thought that Lincoln spent time on his way to his inauguration at the Governor’s Mansion, and it is also the current and former home of many influential figures. Despite the opulence of the home, the courtroom scene was filmed in the austere and stately Governor’s Room, an appropriately regal setting for all the drama of a courtroom scene. Although the show was not renewed by the network for a fourth season, it was well received by critics and fans, and has recently been remade in America , with Greg Kinnear starring as the eponymous rake. Psyche—a light-hearted and quirky series that parodied Cop shows—was filmed across several iconic Californian locations, from the obvious to the obscure. The crew filmed in San Francisco’s historic Palace of Legislation, located on the south side of the hall of the statehouse. The grand building was constructed between 1922 and 1929, designed to be an annex to the previous structure but now, following the earthquake of 1933, serves as the state legislative building. The building is orientated south with the forecourt currently accessed from Third Street. As well as the Palace, scenes of the courtroom were also filmed at the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court, the county seat and largest city in the county of San Luis Obispo. When filming at the courthouse, the period architecture of the city’s County Courthouse and Central Coast distinguished its set in San Francisco from the downtown area of Los Angeles, where much of the action of the show takes place. A wealth of historic buildings and picturesque sites throughout the city provided the inspiration and setting for the show. The courthouse was transformed into a courtroom to film a number of episodes throughout the series, including the first episode. Though Psyche concluded in 2014, it remains a firm fan favorite thanks to its unique mix of mystery and comedy.
Creating Authenticity in Legal Dramas
While legal dramas often enliven scripts with creative licenses and flamboyant liberties in plot development, many show creators also endeavor to lend a sense of verisimilitude to their portrayals of the day-to-day grind in the field of law. Shondaland creator Shonda Rhimes has employed a consultant to ensure authenticity for every episode of her Shondaverse-driven content. In an interview with Deadline, she explained, "We consult lawyers about things like when a case goes from one court to another, or if a judge can actually do this or that thing. We have people who call us up and say, ‘Lawyers don’t say that.’ All those things are fun for me… A lot of those people worked on The Good Wife, and it’s completely gratifying." Rhimes has also consulted with former First Lady Michelle Obama on relationships and power.
Rhimes’ compatriot Peter Lenkov, showrunner for the successful CBS series Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, asserted that the shows consult with former SF FBI agents to ensure authenticity. Lenkov explained that the show is "so real. It’s so serviceable for the guys there, it’s part of their operation now. We’re not doing anything that they wouldn’t actually do. There’s no fantasy, we’re actually going into these countries." Despite these efforts, former Supervisory Special Agent Joe Pistone contended that even the most enthralling and pivotal criminal activities may not be thrilling or eventful enough for screen time: "Actually, in real life, some cases can go on for years before they come to trial… The US Attorney’s Office will give you a number of a case and if the case isn’t progressing, politely request information about why… Of course, they are not going to commit to anything as they have to present a compelling case that will not fall apart in front of a jury." In reality, criminal cases may last years or decades before resolution, which renders certain complex storylines impractical for the small screen. In addition, high-profile cases are often altered to protect the innocent: "In real life, it’s not how it looks on TV. Not that there are any bad things, but there’s a lot of stuff that can’t be shown."
Producer Gary Scott Thompson has similarly acknowledged that he consulted with police officers — a requirement for any Hollywood producer hoping to shoot a heist movie, according to Scott Thompson — to ensure that his Las Vegas heist TV show, The Blacklist, achieved a sense of realism.
Influence of California Legal Dramas
Beyond their entertainment value, California-set court dramas have played a significant role in shaping the public’s perceptions of the justice system and the legal profession. For decades, these series have served as a cultural fulcrum, where tropes of villains, heroes, and moral dilemmas are tested and re-tested against the backdrop of the Californian legal landscape.
One of the most notable influences of these shows is how they have subtly altered the public’s understanding of legal procedures and attorneys’ roles. While it would be an overstatement to say that "L.A. Law" single-handedly educated a generation about due process or the nuances of a search warrant, the basic premise has surely been ingrained into the societal consciousness — that the law is not merely a series of decrees from the top down but is, instead, a multifaceted and complex interplay of people, emotions, and circumstances all striving for justice, however imperfect or flawed that concept may be .
In addition to shifting public perception, California-set programs have launched an avalanche of spin-offs, parodies, and reinventions. The success of "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story" has spawned a new subgenre of television programming that questions the roles of media and the law in high-profile cases. These spin-offs and parodies continue to engage the public’s imagination while also shedding light on contemporary issues facing both the legal system and our society at large.
This go-to factor for Hollywood has virtually ensured that California is the place to go for any legal case that requires catchy ratings in prime time. Whether it’s courtroom antics or behind-the-scenes drama, California-based television continues to be synonymous with the genre, influencing perceptions, language, and attitudes toward the justice system both inside and outside the Golden State.