Parents' Guide to Outlaw

TV NBC Drama 2010
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Common Sense Media Review

Melissa Camacho By Melissa Camacho , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 15+

Renegade judge mixes justice-seeking with drinking, women.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 15+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

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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