 Goodfellas is a very well known movie that takes place here in New York City, The film was released September 19,1990 in the USA. The movie is directed by Martin Scorsese. Goodfellas details the rise and fall of a Brooklyn teenage Henry hill and friends. Laced with heavy violence and drug activity goodfellas still invoked the sympathy for fir a younger whom just wanted success and a good life. While feeling sorry for some of the characters, my own moral standards triggered still, and an urge for the end of lawlessness in this piece I waited for.Â
Henry Hill, a young New Yorker in the late 1950s, born into an Irish/ Italian working class family. It appeared to be a stable home .It also appeared Henry was encouraged and enforced by his father to focus on school. Yet Henry looked up to the” wise guys” in his neighborhood. Henry admired their suits, cars and personas. Henry and others of his neighborhood found their local wise guys to be stand up members of the community. From afar Henry idolized these men and imagines they had developed in NYC. Soon Henry found himself working at his idol’s cab stand. His parents initially liked the fact their son was earning an honest living to their knowledge. Initially. Henry’s job was supposed to be a partime job, but as Henry worked and hung around the cab stand he spend less and less time in school. Now that Henry has basically stopped attending school to become a fulltime wise guy in training. All while Henry’s parents assumed he was in school ,he was In Fact learning what it meant to be a wise guy. Henry slow began to understand why his idols was allowed to park at fire hydrants, and not receive a ticket. Why these gangsters he looked up too was so well respected. The closer he becomes with his locks the more intertwined he become with crime. As he Henry launches his criminal career and endorses he also make a name for himself.
As time goes by Henry begins to achieve the gangster status he admired immensely about his idols. Finally being part of the inner circle Henry began to indulge in the lifestyle he dreamed of living. Now being able to afford suits from the “scores” he gained, Henry’s new persona caught the attention of his parents, mainly his father who opposed it to no avail. As Henry enhances his skills in criminal activity he also gets married and has children. At this point the many ruthless crimes which include theft, extortion, distribution of illegal drugs across state lines, insurance fraud and murder, and not to mention a nasty cocaine habit. Suddenly white enjoying the fruits of his illegal labor, he is arrested and sentenced to prison after the feds find drugs in his home.I would think this would be the moment he smartened up and made better life decisions, not only for himself but for his wife and children. If not for his family then perhaps for his girlfriend whom he started having an affair with while dealing drugs. Yet Henry returned from his jail sentence even more determined to life Achieve his goal. Not only does he return to crime and his wise guy lifestyle, he participates in the biggest score of his life, which includes a heist at NYC JFK airport. Although the heist when off without any problems and our movies gangbangers made off with millions of stolen dollars,Â
The authorities were closing in on the crew who just could keep things together within itself. Whether out of paranoia or greed, wiseguys turned against each other and murder each other. Finally the authorities had Henry testify against his gang mates for immunity. What motivated Henry was fear his gang mates would kill him to cover their own tracks or perhaps out of greed. Ultimately Henry and his family helps the government put his partners on crime away in prison, while they relocate in witness protection.
In my opinion Henry was born into a family who struggled financially and he dreamed of a successful life and happiness. Perhaps Henry saw those qualities in the mobsters he idolized growing up. If those criminals were the only major role models for success, it could explain a lot. It seems to me Henry just wanted the finer things in life and was lead down the wrong path to obtain those things. I also believe if his parents had better opportunities perhaps they could have provided him better opportunities in life. Although Henry wasn’t the worst character in the film he was the most focused on and his character reminded me of many others storylines was similar in my own lifetime. As a black man in American many opportunities are present , yet we are often overlooked. Many black men in lower income or minority communities are systematically targeted and oppressed by our government, society and etc. these issues many earning an honest living hard especially if your reputation has been destroyed before you even become legally old enough to pursue any career. In My opinion after being only the second generation who can participate in a more fair education system, generational curses are hard to break.although Henry isn’t a descendent of oppressed enslaved African Americans, he represents a sensitive disenfranchisement . I felt he and others who turned to crime felt left behind by our nation. I felt they choose to break the law more and more because the gain seems more than the risk.
Continuing in my Law and Culture Review, I gained more the clarity on the XXXTentacion (born Jahseh Onfroy), fist presumed to be a sole murder case, but details will follow. The case begun in a Florida’s 17th Judicial Circuit and was led by prosecutor Pascale Achille with the honorable judge Michael A. Usan. That start date (of the trial) was February 7, 2023, coming five years after the victim’s death back in June 18, 2018.
Given that this was an actual criminal case, there’s a host of components and therefore took careful acquisition of the facts hereby. Starting with the defendants, whom of which were four, Michael Boatwright-the gunman and shooter, Trayvon Newsome-the second gunman, Dedrick Williams and Robert Allen. The last two defendants played a lesser role in the crime, but Dedrick was the mastermind behind the plan to rob and subsequently kill the famed artist. Leonard Kerr, who I’d argue is the lead witness aka. the primary source because of his direct involvement in the incident was able to provide a complete analysis. The tragic day of June 18 began with Triple X (referred to by the state prosecution), setting out to purchase a motorcycle to which his mom was made aware and because she knew that meant a substantial withdraw of money from the bank. Like any parent would, her son’s safety was priority, so she asked of Kerr’s hand-who is the step uncle of Jahseh (Triple X) in accompanying in this expedition. Their first stop as introduced was the bank; Bank of America. Jahseh by his way of his way usual bank teller settled with $50,000- per the bank’s daily withdraw limit; south of his intended amount of 250k. Riva motorsports still succeeded where Triple X and his uncle went to view motorcycles. It’s now significant to work Robert Allen into the fold because of his double role in the proceeding. Allen stood first as a defendant but later became a witness as well due to his counsel accepting to the state’s plea deal to testify on their behalf. By his account on the witness stand, the opposing side’s day commenced with renting a car-Dodge Journey to do their bidding of theft for the day. Their rental was made possible from a longtime friend of defendant Dedrick Williams, Ms. Tony Robinson. Ultimately Robinson was unaware of their intent with the vehicle so none of the plot was on her hands, told by her when she appeared before the court as well. After the accessory car was picked up, the defendants too made way to the venue in action- Riva Motorsports where their visit was to purchase masks. It was when they got there, Dedrick spotted Jahseh’s car by the flash of it. With Triple X having gone into the store, Dedrick decided to he and Robert go into the store to confirm that it really was the rap star (along with buying those masks) and so said and so was done. Upon confirmation, they contacted the other two laying wait in the vehicle, and they rejoined them there. Williams devised the scheme to trap Jahseh’s car once he exited the store and drove out of parking lot and after waiting for eight minutes and thirty-five seconds their plan was executed. The other two men now hopped out of the car armed with guns to perform the act since Allen had warned against himself and Williams already being on the store’s footage. Boatwright then took to the front right side of the car where Jahseh’s uncle sat, and Newsome took the driver side and first charged at the victim where he busted open the car door. Per Leonard Kerr statements, sides were then switched and then focus shifted squarely on Triple X. Kerr still figured his life would be at risk, so he took the opportunity to flee from the car. Leonard following his escape traumatically heard what he presumed to be gun shots coming from his step nephew’s car. There, his money and designer bag were forcibly taken by one Trayvon Newsome and four rounds of shots fired from Michael Boatwright. A resolution for Triple X’s senseless murder was finally met on the twentieth day of March this year when the Jury found three defendants excluding Robert Allen guilty on all counts. Allen because of his compliance with state prosecution and petit role played in the crime knew of his fate which would be murder in the second degree. The sentencing was then announced April 6, 2023, for the greater involved perpetrators ordered by Judge Usan. Williams for orchestrating the robbery and being the driver of the robbery car was sentenced to life imprisonment (without parole) as well Trayvon Newsome for his act of armed robbery. Left was Michael Boatwright, who rightfully so, received the harshest punishment of them all- two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole. One for first degree murder and one for armed robbery and another consecutive 30 years in prison for other charges.
During the trial I took in several legal concepts such as: the opening statements conducted by the lead prosecutor Achille, then the defense’s/defense attorney’s, who each stood for one client respectively, testimonies (done by Leonard Kerr and Robert Allen majorly), examination and cross examination of accomplice and/or witnesses and other parties. In addition, was subpoena and deposition (of another singer Drake) invocations included in Williams’ attorney Mauricio Padilla defense as he dredged various lyrics to his songs that could incite harm on the victim. Closing was the presentation of investigative units like the lead detective, forensic DNA analyst, closing arguments (both proposition and opposition sides), a rebuttal from the prosecution, the verdict from the jury after deliberating and sentencing by the presiding judge. That sequence gave me insight into how a trail court is more or less operated in respect to criminal law and ethical practice of the law.
My reaction to what I watched this as this trial unfolded was sadness and pain. The reminder was there once more that this super talented up and coming musician’s life was cut short bloodied by a murderer who has the same skin color alike. Just as guilty were the other three accomplices (the same race too) who contributed to this crime and were adequately punished as such. I do though commend Robert Allen for coming forward with his testimony even amid intimidation from Trayvon Newsome in the holding cell. Allen, also while being cross examined showed remorse for his actions unlike his peers. He was sympathetic after his time spent in holding and after he saw the turnout of Triple X’s family in court, adding he’s seeking the justice X’s family and fans need. The law I’d say was accurately portrayed because of the series of procedures that ensued when the trail was underway, and the outcome of the case was satisfying to see how unique and just our law can be (in this case) to offer some closure to a family and fanbase who’ll be in eternal grief over this loss. This trial was an inviting recharger into my passion and love for law and it’s why I’d always advocate on behalf of it as the best profession because justice is always needed.