Parents' Guide to

Outlaw

By Melissa Camacho, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 15+

Renegade judge mixes justice-seeking with drinking, women.

TV NBC Drama 2010
Outlaw Poster Image

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What's the Story?

OUTLAW centers on Cyrus Garza (Jimmy Smits), a notoriously conservative U.S. Supreme Court justice who, despite his political views, likes to live on the wild side. After the death of his father, a well-known liberal advocate, Garza resigns the bench in order to help those whom he believes have been disenfranchised by the legal system. Helping him pursue justice for his clients are his best friend/liberal-minded defense attorney Al Druzinsky (David Ramsey) and law clerks Mereta Stockman (Ellen Woglom) and Eddie Franks (Jesse Bradford). Also joining them is edgy private investigator Lucinda Pearl (Carly Pope). While the team works through seemingly impossible cases, Garza must also deal with the enemies he's made in Washington, D.C., as well as the various personal problems that result from his playboy-like ways.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

Outlaw combines sophisticated dramatic storylines with some lighthearted moments in order to tell an intelligent story. It touches on a wide range of controversial issues that are relevant today, using them to examine the conflicting philosophies of conservative and liberal political thinkers.

The show definitely has some flair, but there are times when the constitutional law discussions are so technical that it's hard to follow. Meanwhile, some of the funny moments seem a little out of step with the series' overall mood. Still, folks who like thoughtful legal dramas will probably enjoy what's being offered here.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the law. How does political point of view impact the way law is practiced in America? Should it have an impact?

  • Did you know that Supreme Court justices are appointed for life? How realistic do you think it is for a justice to step down and go back to practicing law?

  • How does the media typically portray lawyers, judges, and politics? Is this show different in any way?

TV Details

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