Movies and TV shows have given us a dramatic, action-packed view of the legal world—fast-talking lawyers, shocking confessions, and judges banging their gavels every five minutes.
But step into a real courtroom, and you’ll quickly realise that law in real life is far less theatrical. So, why does court feel so different outside of Hollywood?
The Drama vs. The Reality
In the movies, lawyers are always in heated arguments, pacing the courtroom, pointing fingers, and yelling “Objection!” every five seconds.
The judge, always with a serious face, slams the gavel with force, shouting “Overruled!” or “Sustained!” The entire courtroom gasps at every revelation.
In reality? Lawyers spend more time citing legal precedents, reading lengthy documents, and making structured arguments in calm, measured tones.
The only thing that moves fast is the judge’s lunch break.
Surprise Evidence? Not in Real Life
Hollywood loves the last-minute, game-changing piece of evidence. Just when the case seems lost, the lawyer dramatically pulls out an envelope: “Your Honour, we just found new evidence!” Cue gasps, a shocked defendant, and the case instantly turning around.
In real life, there is no such thing. Evidence must be disclosed long before trial, and any attempt to introduce new information at the last minute will likely be met with a judge saying, “This is inadmissible.” No drama, no surprises—just paperwork.
Where’s the Gavel?
One of the biggest letdowns? Most judges rarely even use a gavel. In Ghanaian courts, cases proceed with minimal theatrics.
The judge listens, lawyers present their arguments, and decisions are made—no need for dramatic hammer-slamming.
The Speed of Justice
In movies, cases go from arrest to trial in a matter of days. Witnesses are always available, and verdicts come in record time.
In real life? Court cases drag on for months, sometimes years. Paperwork, adjournments, missing witnesses—it’s a slow, steady process that would bore any movie audience to sleep.
Real Law Is Less Flashy, but More Important
While courtroom dramas are thrilling to watch, real-life law is about careful argument, deep research, and long hours of preparation.
It may not be as exciting as the movies, but in the end, justice is about fairness—not entertainment.
