Law Library Event—The Depiction of Law in Film and Television

Silbey_Final — Professor of Law Jessica Silbey presenting, “A History of Law in American Film,” on July 20, 2016. Photo by Liah Caravalho

“You have the right to remain silent” are words that have become ubiquitous in American popular culture due to the many reiterations of the Miranda warning in television and film. The Miranda warning, which protects defendants against self-incrimination during criminal interrogations, is the result of the 1966 U.S. Supreme Court decision, Miranda v. Arizona.

This year, 2016, marks the 50^th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision. The legal conception of self-incrimination, however, dates back to 13^th century philosopher Moses Maimonides, explained Law Librarian of Congress Roberta I. Shaffer at a recent event that highlighted the historical depiction of law in film and television. The Law Library of Congress and the Library of Congress Packard Campus for Audio-Visual Conservation