As part of its commitment to international collaboration and knowledge exchange, the American University of Nigeria (AUN) School of Law, in partnership with the University of San Diego Law School, recently hosted a special screening of the Brian Banks criminal trial. The event provided students with a cross-jurisdictional understanding of the American justice system, offering firsthand insights into legal practice, wrongful convictions, and the complexities of criminal defense.
Following the screening, Professor Justin Brooks, the lead attorney who successfully overturned Brian Banks’ wrongful conviction, provided expert commentary on the case. He dissected the legal missteps that led to Banks’ imprisonment, particularly the impact of his original defense attorney’s decision to recommend a plea bargain instead of taking the case to trial. This decision ultimately resulted in Banks serving over six years in prison for a crime he did not commit, underscoring the vital role of a defense attorney in ensuring justice for clients.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Dr. Obinna Dike, Assistant Professor of Law at AUN, stated: “The screening of the Brian Banks’ case, as well as the commentary provided by Professor Justin Brooks (who was the lead defense attorney post-conviction), was an excellent learning experience on the functioning of the American criminal justice system”.
According to Professor Dike, it was an enriching experience for AUN students to appreciate the complexities of criminal trials and the defining role that a defense attorney plays in the case of his/her client. “As a legal practitioner, it was a reminder of the weight of responsibility, discipline, and dedication which an attorney bears toward his client in the practice of his/her profession.”
The event was particularly beneficial for AUN students studying law, political science, and international relations, as it provides them with a deeper understanding of how legal systems operate beyond Nigeria. Thus emphasizing the importance of diligence and ethical commitment in legal practice.
Additionally, Professor Brooks highlighted the value of practical legal training, sharing how his law students at the University of San Diego actively contributed to Banks’ case. This reinforced the need for experiential learning in legal education, a concept AUN aims to incorporate further into its curriculum.
The screening and subsequent dialogue not only exposed AUN students to the realities of the American legal system but also inspired them to view law as a powerful instrument for justice. Attendees expressed a range of emotions, including shock, empathy, and inspiration, as they reflected on the injustices revealed in the case. Many were deeply moved by the systemic flaws within the U.S. legal system, while others felt motivated to pursue careers in legal advocacy and criminal justice reform. The event left a lasting impression, encouraging students to approach their future legal careers with a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility.
Reported by Aishatu Munnauwarah Yahya