Santa Monica, California – Legal eagles and film fans alike will be making the Santa Monica Public Library one of their prime Spring destinations for the Library’s latest monthly film screening and discussion series, “Reel Justice: The Courtroom Goes to the Movies.”  The series will take place the fourth Tuesday of each month from March until May, at the Main Library’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Auditorium, 601 Santa Monica Blvd.  

Led by UCLA Law Professor, Paul Bergman, co-author of the book, Reel Justice: The Courtroom Goes to the Movies, the series will focus on a trio of classic and current films with the law as a backdrop.  Professor Bergman will provide a brief introduction to the film and answer questions posed by audience members pertaining the subject matter portrayed in the film.  Screenings of the films being discussed will follow.

On Tuesday, March 25, 2008, the series kicks off with the stage-to-film classic, 12 Angry Men, starring Henry Fonda  Discussion begins at 6:30, with the screening following at 7:00 p.m.  

On Tuesday, April 22, 2008, the series continues with the literary adaptation, To Kill a Mockingbird, starring Gregory Peck.  Discussion begins at 6:20 p.m., with the screening following at 6:45 p.m.  

On Tuesday, May 27, 2008, the series concludes with the recent Oscar nominee, Michael Clayton, starring George Clooney.  Discussion begins at 6:20 p.m., with the screening at 6:50 p.m.

This public program is free and open to all.  Auditorium seating is limited, and seating is on a first arrival basis.  

For more information, contact the Santa Monica Public Library at (310) 458-8600; or visit the Library’s web site at www.smpl.org.