The 1979 legal drama ‘...And Justice for All’, written by Valerie Curtin and Barry Lee Levinson, directed by Norman Frederick Jewison and starring Alfredo James Pacino, is a critique of the American judicial system. The film highlights the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by lawyers and judges, showcasing a system rife with corruption, incompetence, and personal biases. At its core, the movie underscores the indispensable need for integrity in the legal profession. Through the struggles of defence attorney Arthur Kirkland (played by Pacino), the film argues that without integrity, justice becomes an illusion, leaving the vulnerable to suffer under a flawed system.

The film serves as an exposé of the systemic failures that allow corruption to persist. The judicial system, which is meant to protect the innocent and ensure fair trials, instead often favors those with power and influence. Lawyers and judges manipulate legal loopholes, prioritise winning over truth, and use their positions for personal gain. The film’s narrative presents a stark warning: when integrity is compromised, the judicial system transforms into an arena for manipulation rather than a bastion of fairness.

The portrayal of this corruption in ‘...And Justice for All’ is not just a fictional critique but reflects real-world concerns. Legal systems worldwide have faced scandals involving bribery, wrongful convictions, and prosecutorial misconduct. The film resonates with audiences because it highlights how individuals within the system can exploit their power, ultimately leading to widespread disillusionment with justice. This pervasive issue underscores why integrity must be the cornerstone of legal practice.

The corruption of justice

One of the central themes of ‘...And Justice for All’ is the corruption within the judicial system. Kirkland finds himself constantly battling a system that values technicalities over truth. Judges and prosecutors manipulate legal procedures to serve their interests, often disregarding justice itself. The most glaring example of this corruption is Judge Henry T. Fleming (played by John Lincoln Forsythe), who, despite being accused of a heinous crime, expects Kirkland to defend him. Fleming epitomises the arrogance and moral bankruptcy that can infiltrate the judiciary. His statement, "The one thing I’ve always wanted to do is put a man in jail and have him know that it was me that put him there" reveals his disregard for fair trial principles and his obsession with power rather than justice.

Judge Fleming's character illustrates how power can corrupt those entrusted with upholding the law. Instead of ensuring that justice is served impartially, he sees his role as a means of exerting control over others. His behaviour reflects a broader concern: when judges prioritise personal vendettas or career advancement over legal ethics, the integrity of the entire judicial system is undermined. This erosion of moral responsibility leads to wrongful convictions, biased rulings, and a general distrust of the legal system among the public.

Furthermore, the film depicts other figures in the legal system who engage in unethical behaviour, such as prosecutors who pursue cases despite questionable evidence and defense attorneys who compromise their clients’ interests for personal gain. These portrayals reinforce the idea that when individuals within the legal system lack integrity, the very foundation of justice crumbles. The consequences of corruption are far-reaching, impacting not only the accused but also society’s confidence in the rule of law.

The ethical struggles of lawyers

Kirkland's internal struggle represents the ethical dilemmas faced by many legal professionals. Unlike his peers, Kirkland genuinely believes in the ideals of justice and fairness. However, his commitment to these principles places him at odds with a system that prioritises procedural victories over moral truth. His frustration culminates in the iconic courtroom outburst: "You're out of order! This whole trial is out of order! They’re out of order!" This moment encapsulates his despair and anger at a system designed to fail the very people that it is meant to protect. Kirkland’s moral integrity is tested repeatedly, forcing him to choose between professional survival and standing up for what is right.

Kirkland’s struggle is symbolic of the broader challenge faced by many legal professionals who enter the field with a desire to serve justice but find themselves constrained by institutional pressures. The film highlights how attorneys often have to navigate conflicts between their ethical obligations and the demands of the legal system. Lawyers who refuse to compromise their morals risk professional consequences, including losing cases, damaging their reputations, or facing retaliation from more powerful figures in the legal community.

The film suggests that for justice to prevail, legal professionals must be willing to challenge corruption, even at great personal cost. Kirkland’s journey is a testament to the difficulties of maintaining integrity in a flawed system, yet, it also underscores the necessity of doing so. Without lawyers who are committed to ethical principles, the legal profession risks becoming an instrument of oppression rather than a force for fairness. His story serves as both a cautionary tale and an inspiration for those who seek to uphold the true principles of justice.

The consequences of a broken system

The film also highlights the devastating consequences of a judiciary that lacks integrity. Innocent people are convicted, guilty individuals go free, and the law ceases to serve justice. Kirkland’s innocent client, Jeff McCullaugh (played by Thomas G. Waites), is imprisoned due to a minor procedural error, demonstrating how legal technicalities often outweigh substantive justice. Meanwhile, powerful figures like Judge Fleming manipulate the system to escape accountability. These examples illustrate how a compromised legal system can lead to severe miscarriages of justice, disproportionately affecting the vulnerable and marginalised.

The consequences of these systemic failures extend beyond individual cases; they undermine public trust in legal institutions. When people perceive the judiciary as unfair, they become less likely to seek legal recourse, leading to further disenfranchisement of already marginalised groups. This erosion of trust weakens the rule of law, making it easier for corruption and injustice to thrive. A lack of accountability among legal professionals fosters an environment where unethical behaviour becomes normalised rather than condemned.

Additionally, the film raises questions about the psychological toll that working within a corrupt system can have on those who still strive for integrity. Kirkland’s growing frustration and despair reflect the emotional burden of fighting against an unjust system. The film implies that legal professionals who attempt to challenge corruption may face burnout, disillusionment, or even coercion into complicity. This highlights the urgent need for structural reforms to support those who genuinely seek to uphold justice, rather than leaving them to struggle in isolation.

The imperative for integrity

‘...And Justice for All’ serves as a call to action for legal professionals to uphold integrity in their work. The film suggests that lawyers and judges must prioritise justice over self-interest, even when the system makes it difficult. Kirkland’s journey is a testament to the personal cost of maintaining ethical standards in a corrupt environment, yet, it also highlights the necessity of doing so. Without integrity, the legal system becomes a mere tool of oppression rather than a mechanism for fairness and truth.

The importance of integrity extends beyond the legal profession itself. The film serves as a reminder to society at large that maintaining a just legal system requires active vigilance from citizens, policymakers, and legal professionals alike. Transparency, accountability, and ethical education must be prioritised to ensure that the legal system serves the people rather than those who seek to exploit it. By fostering a culture of integrity, societies can work toward a more equitable and just legal framework.

Ultimately, ‘...And Justice for All’ delivers a timeless message about the need for honesty and moral courage within the legal system. It emphasises that while the pursuit of justice may be fraught with challenges, it remains a cause worth fighting for. Kirkland’s struggle is not just his own — it is a reflection of the broader societal struggle to ensure that justice is truly served. The film leaves audiences with a powerful question: If those within the system do not fight for integrity, who will?

(Thilakarathna is an attorney and Law lecturer at the Colombo University and Jayarathna is a Law lecturer at the Open University)

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect those of this publication