Legal experts agree that the 1992 comedy "My Cousin Vinny" surprisingly nails the intricacies of courtroom proceedings. Judges Adam Levy and Patricia DiMango, both part of Judge Judy's "Tribunal Justice," singled out the film for its accurate portrayal of legal procedures, from pretrial hearings and jury selection to vigorous cross-examinations and expert witness testimonies. Levy emphasized the movie's depiction of discovery, the process of exchanging information between parties in a legal case, highlighting a memorable line from the film about this very process. DiMango concurred, praising the movie's humorous yet accurate depiction of legal proceedings from arrest to dismissal. She even used the film as a teaching tool during her time as a college professor, finding it an engaging way to illustrate principles of criminal procedure and penal law to students.
DiMango highlighted specific humorous scenes that accurately reflect courtroom realities, such as Vinny's inappropriate attire and his sleepiness during opening statements. She appreciated the film's ability to poke fun at serious legal matters while remaining true to the overall process. While Levy and DiMango championed "My Cousin Vinny," Judge Tanya Acker, another judge on "Tribunal Justice," praised the 1990 Harrison Ford thriller "Presumed Innocent" for its intricate plot twists and strong performances.
