By Rashmi Goel
In a legal show, can you not help but feel the adrenaline rushing when you see attorneys fighting for justice? The tension of the courtroom keeps you on the edge of your seat, or is that just you? In either case, you are at the right place. A legal drama series can be among the most satisfying entertainment experiences, no matter whether you are a law enthusiast, a fan of legal dramas, or simply enjoy good storytelling. There is nothing better than watching a courtroom drama with a high-octane narrative and powerful characters to experience the most cinematic moments of your life. Some of these stories may even make you wish you were a part of the legal system. Considering this, it's no surprise that there is a plethora of legal TV series available. This list of the top legal drama series on Netflix features a variety of real-life events and well-researched documentaries as well as intriguing fiction. There is something to entertain everyone here, from the simplest to the most nerve-wracking cases.
The Trial (Il Processo)
Angelica, a 17-year-old girl, was brutally murdered by a group of characters: the prosecutor Elena Guerra, who finds herself infatuated with the victim; Ruggero Barone, a rampant lawyer who considers the trial to be the chance of a lifetime; and Linda Monaco, the sole defendant who insists on claiming innocence. Each of them is on a razor's edge, trying to get to the truth, waiting for the verdict that will, in some way or another, determine the course of their lives.
Hyena
The show Hyena revolves around rival lawyers who, after countless fights, eventually team up to do a case together. At Song & Kim, Hyena deals with lawyers who work for only the richest 1% of society. Law and lawlessness, justice and injustice, ethics and corruption are just some of the boundaries crossed by Jung Geum-ja, a swashbuckling lawyer. Having the highest survival instincts, she is a true hyena who will do anything to achieve success and money. Her biggest rival is Yoon Hee-jae. A reputable and seasoned lawyer, he is confident about his skills. He has a brilliant mind wrapped around his ego, but he lacks the grit of Geum-ja and is often outwitted by her.
Anatomy Of A Scandal
A six-part series called Anatomy of a Scandal is set in London and stars Rupert Friend as James Whitehouse, a member of parliament who is cheating on his wife, Sophie (Sienna Miller), with a younger staffer. Despite coming clean to his wife about the affair, James is further complicated when the woman accuses him of rape. Aside from the fact that Sophie's private life is turned upside down by her husband's behavior, the situation also becomes public when James is taken to court. Michelle Dockery stars as Kate, the prosecutor assigned to James's case, who is convinced of his guilt. However, she hides her own secret that explains her prejudice against the defendant.
How To Get Away With Murder
An ambitious group of law students and their criminal defense professor become involved in a twisted murder plot that promises to change their lives. A brilliant criminal defense attorney and law professor, Annalise Keating (Viola Davis) brings five of her students to work with her at her firm. Her portrayal of Keating, who dealt with a variety of trauma during the course of the series, was nominated for an Emmy for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her complex portrayal of the troubled woman who was killed by her husband and his mistress, battled alcoholism, had her house burn down, and lost her baby.
The Twelve
The respected headmistress Fri Palmers is accused of two murders, including that of her own child, and twelve ordinary people are called to serve on the jury in the brutal case. Throughout the course of the trial, not only Fri's fate hangs in the balance, but the lives of the jurors are also deeply shaken. Based on their personal scars and life experiences, each jury member reacts differently. They must decide whether she is guilty or innocent of the charges brought against her.
Trial By Media
A docuseries titled Trial By Media examines various famous cases of the past 40 years that have been affected greatly by the media circuses built around them. The TV series, co-produced by Toobin and Brill, examines cases including the Bernard Goetz trial of the 1980s, The Big Dan rape case that inspired the movie The Accused, the Amadou Diallo case, and the Jenny Jones murder resulting after a guest on the Jenny Jones daytime talk show murdered another guest after appearing on the show.
The Devil Next Door
As a German war criminal known as Ivan the Terrible, the film tells the true story of John Demjanjuk, a Ukrainian immigrant who lived in Cleveland, OH when in the 1980s, he was identified by survivors of the Holocaust as a Nazi war criminal. Demjanjuk claimed that it was a mistaken identity. However, in a 1988 trial in Israel, a court ruled that he was indeed Ivan the Terrible, and he was condemned to death. Among the most compelling true crime stories of the last few years is the story of his trial and appeal.
Tokyo Trial
As fascinating and important as the Nuremberg Trials, The Tokyo Trial describes a post-World War II trial that may not be as famous as the Nuremberg Trials. In 1946, the International Military Tribunal of the Far East, also known as the Tokyo Tribunal, tried several Japanese leaders for war crimes following World War II. This four-part series features an international cast and takes an in-depth look at one of the lesser-known consequences of Japan's defeat after the war.
