"Boston Legal" Takes On the Supreme Court

On the night of the Pennsylvania primary April 22, television viewers were exposed to one of the most vociferous critiques of the conservative Supreme Court since John Roberts Jr. become chief justice in 2005. But the attack was not delivered by a candidate or any cable news show. Instead, it came during an extraordinary episode of the ABC legal drama/comedy "Boston Legal."

Actor James Spader, in his Alan Shore character, criticized the Roberts Court to its face, so to speak, during an oral argument before look-alike justices in a "ripped from the headlines" Supreme Court case involving the death penalty for non-homicide rape. He told the Court it had become "shamelessly pro-business" and had turned the clock back on civil rights and free speech, among other things.

In this online exclusive story we take a look at the episode and interview the show's creator David E. Kelley (pictured), the lawyer-turned- producer who also brought "Ally McBeal," "Picket Fences," and "The Practice" to the small screen. We also have comments from Stanford law prof Jeffrey Fisher, the lawyer who argued the actual child-rape case before the real Supreme Court last month.

Comments

[Whack-a-Billary]

Tonight's episode reminded me of a game I stumbled upon, in my Democratic web wanderings...a real crack up: http://whack-a-billary.com

[Lisa]

I was embarassed and disgusted by the BL episode. To think that some people, not too familiar with "THE Court" may actually believe it is possible for attys to go off on the S. Ct. like that. I am a liberal but even I have to draw the line with the incredible disrespect and outright misperception the BL episode may leave many laymen with. It was so hard to watch. I actually had to leave the room.

[W.R. Chambers]

I wish the issues Alan Shore (James Spader) raised would be addressed again in another Boston Legal episode. If the Supreme Court initiated disciplinary proceedings against Shore for his conduct before the court, the arguments about the propriety of his arguments could be fascinating.

[Dusty]

I watch BL and I do not get my news from DKos. What a ridiculous retort DCLawyer.

Yes, it is political, and the state BL represents (MA) is very liberal. It is not a far fetched idea to think a lawyer would hold the political views of Alan Shore.

[DCLawyer]

Boy, this sounds horrible. My wife and I watched that show for about two years when every episode became nothing but a political soapbox. Does anyone watch this show anymore? Or just when they're taking a break from getting their news from Daily Kos?