Reviews of Educational Films

摘要

Defamation is a video of a play as it was performed before a live audience. The play is set in a courtroom where an African American woman, Ms. Wade, is suing a White Jewish man, Mr. Golden, for defamation. Ms. Wade went to Mr. Golden's house to discuss the possibility of her doing some pro bono work for a theatrical company with which he was associated. During their conversation Golden left the room to take a phone call. Following the interview he discovered that his watch was missing and assumed that Ms. Wade took it. He then called one of Ms. Wade's biggest clients and told her that Wade stole his watch. He said, "I'd avoid doing business with her if I were you." This ultimately resulted in Ms. Wade losing the client, losing her business, and ultimately losing her home. Ms. Wade sued Mr. Golden for defamation. The trial offers testimony from both sides along with arguments by the prosecution and defense attorneys. At the end of the testimony, the judge looks at the audience members and tells them that he is not going to adjudicate the case, but they will. The video can be stopped at this point to allow the audience to deliberate the case. There are also interviews with audience members who saw the play and who offer their opinions about whether Ms. Wade should prevail or if Mr. Golden should.