Anaya Nolan
Law Abiding Citizen is a 2009 American vigilante action thriller film directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler. The film portrays a man driven to seek justice against his family's killers and a corrupt criminal justice system. The phrase law-abiding citizen refers to a person who adheres to the laws and does not break them. In the context of the film, the title Law Abiding Citizen is ironic, as the main character, Clyde Shelton, becomes a vigilante who takes the law into his own hands.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Definition | A person who adheres to the laws and does not break them |
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What You'll Learn
Law-abiding citizen definition
A law-abiding citizen is someone who adheres to the laws of the country in which they are a citizen. Law-abiding citizens are often described as honest, good, peaceful, and honourable. They are also considered obedient to the law.
In the context of the United States, a law-abiding citizen can be defined as someone who obeys US federal, state, and local laws. This includes adhering to the rules and regulations set forth by the government and respecting the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the US Constitution. Law-abiding citizens are expected to pay their taxes, abide by traffic rules, and generally conduct themselves in a manner that does not break the law.
Being law-abiding does not mean that a person will never face legal issues or be accused of a crime. Even law-abiding citizens may find themselves in legal trouble due to misunderstandings, false accusations, or good-faith errors. However, what sets them apart is their respect for the legal system and their willingness to cooperate with authorities to resolve the issue.
Law-abiding citizens are generally considered a positive force in society. They are believed to contribute to social order, stability, and harmony. These citizens are often seen as role models and are trusted by their communities. They are also more likely to be protected by the law and defended by those who uphold it.
It is important to note that the definition of a law-abiding citizen can vary depending on the specific laws and cultural context of a country. What constitutes law-abiding behaviour may differ from one nation to another, and social norms and expectations may also play a role in shaping perceptions of law-abiding citizens.
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Vigilante action thriller film
Law Abiding Citizen is a 2009 American vigilante action thriller film directed by F. Gary Gray, starring Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler. The film takes place in Philadelphia and tells the story of a man driven to seek justice, not only for his family's killer but also against those who have supported a corrupt criminal justice system.
The film Law Abiding Citizen, for example, sees the main character target not only his family's killer but also the wider criminal justice system, intending to assassinate anyone supporting it. This blurs the line between revenge and vigilantism, as the character's actions are driven by a personal trauma but also a desire to see a corrupt system punished.
Other examples of vigilante action thrillers include The Punisher, Kick-Ass, The Dark Knight, John Wick, and Kill Bill. These films often involve a blend of action, humour, and social commentary, with some offering a unique take on the genre, such as Kill Bill's exploration of personal responsibility and the consequences of a vigilante lifestyle.
Vigilante action thrillers can provide an outlet for audiences to explore fantasies of extrajudicial punishment and can offer a blend of entertainment and social commentary, depending on the film's approach to the genre.
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Unnecessarily violent
The 2009 American vigilante action thriller film "Law Abiding Citizen" has been criticized for its excessive and unjustified violence. The film, directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler, grossed $127.9 million worldwide but received generally negative reviews, with many critics describing it as "unnecessarily violent and unflinchingly absurd".
The film's plot revolves around a man seeking justice for his family's killer and targeting those who support a corrupt criminal justice system. While the movie offers surprises, twists, and turns, and has been praised for its fast pace and ability to hold the audience's attention, the pervasive violence has been a major point of criticism.
Reviewers on Rotten Tomatoes, for example, gave the film an average rating of 4.4/10, with only 26% of 162 critics providing a positive review. The site's critical consensus highlights the unnecessary violence and the absurd nature of the film, which defies reason. The movie has also been criticized for subpar acting and a weak story.
In addition to the criticism from Rotten Tomatoes, Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun Times commented that "Law Abiding Citizen is the kind of movie you will like more at the time than in retrospect." This suggests that while the film may be enjoyable as a thrilling action movie, its excessive violence and absurdity may become more apparent upon reflection.
Overall, while "Law Abiding Citizen" offers entertainment and suspense, its high levels of violence, absurdity, and weak storytelling have been significant points of criticism, leading to its generally unfavorable reception among critics.
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Flawed justice system
The justice system is a complex entity, and its inner workings are often not fully understood even by those working within it. While it is designed to uphold the law, protect the public, and deliver justice, it is not without its flaws.
One of the most significant issues within the justice system is the disproportionate incarceration of marginalised communities, particularly people of colour. Research has shown that darker-skinned individuals are more likely to face arrest, receive longer sentences, and have negative interactions with the legal system. This indicates a systemic bias that perpetuates inequities and negatively impacts the lives of those from marginalised backgrounds.
The case of Adnan Syed, popularised by the podcast 'Serial', exemplifies the flaws within the justice system. Syed was convicted of the murder of his ex-girlfriend based on questionable evidence. It took eight years after the podcast's release and the exposure of withheld evidence by the prosecution for Syed to be exonerated. This case highlights the challenges of overturning convictions, even in the face of reasonable doubt.
The justice system also faces criticism for its focus on punishment rather than healing. Traditional justice systems often centre on punishing perpetrators without adequately addressing the needs of victims. This approach can perpetuate a cycle of harm and may even deter victims from reporting crimes due to fear of repercussions.
Additionally, the justice system struggles with overwhelming caseloads and understaffing, leading to a reluctance to re-examine convictions. This further contributes to a lack of faith in the system's ability to deliver true justice.
While some advocate for reform, others argue that the system is too entrenched for meaningful change. However, with growing awareness of the flaws within the justice system, there is an opportunity to address these issues and work towards a more equitable and effective legal process.
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Law-abiding citizen in American English
In American English, a law-abiding citizen is a person who does not break the law and adheres to the laws. This term is often used to describe someone who obeys the rules and regulations set by the government and society. Law-abiding citizens are those who respect the legal system and believe in upholding the law. They are often seen as honest, upright, and virtuous individuals who are trustworthy and reliable.
The concept of a law-abiding citizen is essential in maintaining a peaceful and orderly society. When citizens abide by the law, it creates a sense of social cohesion and mutual respect for the rules that govern the community. It promotes stability and predictability, as people know what is expected of them and can trust that others will act within the boundaries set by the law.
In popular culture, the concept of a law-abiding citizen has been explored in various ways. For example, the 2009 film "Law Abiding Citizen," starring Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler, presents a story of vigilante justice. In the film, a man takes the law into his own hands to seek justice for his family's killer and to target a corrupt criminal justice system. While the film received negative reviews for its excessive violence and absurd plot, it sparked discussions about the complexities of the legal system and the lengths to which someone might go to seek justice when they feel failed by that system.
In reality, being a law-abiding citizen is crucial for the functioning of a democratic society. It ensures that individuals' rights are protected and that everyone is treated equally under the law. When citizens break the law, it can have consequences not only for themselves but also for the broader community. It undermines the social contract that is founded on mutual trust and respect for the law.
In conclusion, a law-abiding citizen in American English refers to someone who adheres to the laws and does not break them. This concept is vital for maintaining social order and stability, and it is deeply rooted in the values of honesty, integrity, and respect for the legal system. While popular culture may sometimes present complex portrayals of law-abiding citizens, in reality, abiding by the law is essential for the well-being of society as a whole.
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Frequently asked questions
A law-abiding citizen is a person who does not break the law.
Law Abiding Citizen is a 2009 American vigilante action thriller film directed by F. Gary Gray. The film tells the story of a man driven to seek justice while targeting not only his family's killer but also those who have supported a corrupt criminal justice system.
Law Abiding Citizen stars Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler.
The movie received generally negative reviews from critics, with some describing it as "unnecessarily violent and unflinchingly absurd" and plagued by "subpar acting". However, some viewers enjoyed the movie, describing it as a "great cast, great story" and "one of the best films I've seen".
