10 Memorable Legal Movie Quotes

When I think of unforgettable legal movie lines, I automatically think of Jack Nicholson playing Col. Nathan Jessup in A Few Good Men and yelling “You can’t handle the truth!”  However, there are many other great legal movie lines as well.  Below are a few of my favorite legal movie quotes in no particular order.  Enjoy!

My Cousin Vinny (1992)- Vinny Gambini: “Your Honor, may I have permission to treat Ms. Vito as a hostile witness?”
 Lisa:  “You think I’m hostile now, wait ’til you see me tonight.”

War of the Roses (1989)- Gavin D’Amato: “There is no winning! Only degrees of losing!” (referring to divorce)

The Paper Chase (1973)- Prof. Kingsfield: “Here’s a dime. Call your mother. Tell her there’s serious doubt about your becoming a lawyer.”

And Justice For All (1979)- Arthur Kirkland: “She doesn’t have a motive. You know why? Because… she’s not lying. And ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the prosecution is not going to get that man today…! no. Because I’m gonna get him! My client, the Honorable Henry T. Fleming, should go right to f***ing jail! The son of a b**** is guilty!”

A Man for All Seasons (1966)- Thomas More: “The world must construe according to its wits.  This court must construe according to the law.” 

The People v. Larry Flynt (1996)- Larry Flynt to his lawyer: “You don’t want to quit me, I’m your dream client. I’m the most fun, I’m rich, and I’m always in trouble.”

A Few Good Men (1992)- Lt. Daniel Keffee: “So this is what a courtroom looks like.”

12 Angry Men (1957)- Juror #2: “It’s hard to put into words. I just think he’s guilty. I thought it was obvious from the word, ‘Go’. Nobody proved otherwise.”  Juror #8: “Nobody has to prove otherwise. The burden of proof is on the prosecution. The defendant doesn’t even have to open his mouth. That’s in the Constitution.”

Erin Brockovich (2000)- “I hate lawyers, I just work for them.”

Liar, Liar (1997)- Greta: “Boss, it’s Skull.  He knocked over another ATM, this time at knifepoint.  He needs your legal advice.” Fletcher Reede: “Stop breakin’ the law, a**hole!”

What is your favorite legal movie quote?  I’d love to hear your opinions.