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Civil: Ben Crump
By Sabrina McFarland,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Black lawyer seeks fair justice for all; language; violence.
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Civil: Ben Crump
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What's the Story?
In CIVIL: BEN CRUMP, the lawyer who is referred to as "Black America's attorney general," seeks justice for the country's marginalized population. The areas of law expertise by Crump and team range from environmental injustice cases involving kids diagnosed with cancer to the murders of Black teen boys. The film captures a year-long look at the dad and husband who represents surviving relatives in historic financial compensation civil lawsuits for crimes of harm or wrongdoing. Crump views the legal reparation as a measure of accountability and justice.
Is It Any Good?
One of the most moving moments in this film treasure about seeking equal legal justice for everyone is Ben Crump's memory of a role model. "The thing I remember most profoundly about meeting my personal hero, Thurgood Marshall, was he did not tell us young, Black, aspiring lawyers to go into courtrooms and argue what is legal," says Crump of the former Supreme Court Associate Justice in Civil: Ben Crump. "He told us, 'Go in courtrooms and always argue what is right.' " And upon arrival there, notes the North Carolina native, "my grandmother taught me, which included when you're speaking, raise your head, look a person in the eye, and don't ever hold your head down." Viewers of this cinematic vision from director Nadia Hallgren (Becoming) will inarguably hold their heads up high after seeing Civil: Ben Crump.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the communication of Ben Crump in Civil: Ben Crump. How does he also demonstrate compassion, courage, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Why are there marginalized groups in society? What might be the reasons behind this form of inequality?
Would you consider having a legal career like Crump? Why or why not?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: June 19, 2022
- Cast: Ben Crump , Tezlyn Figaro , Brandon Williams
- Director: Nadia Hallgren
- Inclusion Information: Female directors, Latino directors
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Activism , Great Boy Role Models , History
- Character Strengths: Communication , Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time: 101 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: thematic material and strong language
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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