My Cousin Vinny, Essay Example

The film talks about two young people from New York who are put on trial for murder they did not commit. They both take a lawyer by the name Vincent Gambini who is their cousin. Vincent uses the comically defends them. There is humor in the film especially during the court sessions.

The two friends and students Billy Gambini and Stan Rothenstein are detained in connection of the murder of a clerk at a store where they had neglected to pay for a can of tuna after shopping. Had they sorted their bill with the clerk, they might have escaped such a mess. This clearly points out the essence of upholding obedience and honesty. It was important for Billy and Stan to be honest to themselves and obey the call by the clerk to pay for the can of Tuna. The series of miscommunications and the circumstantial evidence based on the two young men assumption that they were detained for shoplifting. Stan ends up being charged as an accessory and Billy charged with murder.

Vinny who takes up on their cases to defend the duo is ignorant of the court procedures, disrespectful attitude towards the judges and is abrasive lands him in trouble. Thus, his lack of seriousness in the court discourages the boys and even annoys Stan to the extent that he gets another lawyer to represent him. When Vinny comes up with a perceptive and aggressive questioning style, he manages to discredit the first witness testimony and thus restoring Billy’s faith in him. Therefore, from this few we can learn to patient in whatever someone is doing for you. Stan’s impatient leads him to taking another lawyer who performs below Vinny. It tells us also that we should always have faith in someone, though he or, she may not perform as is expected.

Even when district attorney, Jim Trotter III introduces a surprise witness to frustrate Billy, he is still determined to fight back with help of Lisa. They both mange to discredit the same witness leading to dismissal of all the charges; had Lisa neglected such little thing as just a mere photo, Vinny would not have won the case. Therefore, it means that in handling criminal cases little things matter a lot.