LawTube Edutainment: Learning About Law from YouTube
What happens when you combine a high-profile celebrity defamation case, a former district attorney, and the internet? The answer: A change in how people consume legal content and a rise in the popularity of “LawTube.”
In 2022, the Johnny Depp v. Amber Heard defamation trial captivated millions of viewers who tuned into their YouTube channel of choice to watch the trial and, in some cases, hear live commentary from legal experts dissecting the courtroom drama. One expert commentator, Emily D. Baker, a former Los Angeles district attorney with purple hair and a penchant for cursing, propelled herself into the YouTube limelight. Her reactionary enthusiasm for some of what would turn out to be the most infamous celebrity court moments in history skyrocketed Emily’s viewership above that of official network streams of the trial. Throughout the trial, Emily gained over 400,000 new subscribers to her YouTube channel.
But why do people flock to channels like Emily’s to consume their daily dose of legal news? Why has this “cursey-word” loving mother of two found so much success talking about high-profile court cases when legal commentary is far from a new concept? The answer likely lies in the LawTube community’s unique ability to present complicated legal information in a familiar and accessible manner, catering to the many people without legal backgrounds eager to follow high-profile court cases.
Learning About Law Through YouTube Commentary
Thanks to the long-standing popularity of legal television shows such as Law & Order, most people have at least heard the terms “objection” and “hearsay,” but how many people fully understand what legal terms mean? Or, better yet, how many people didn’t understand before watching legal commentary on YouTube vs. after?
The Depp v. Heard case showcased the frequent, sometimes inaccurate hearsay objection, potentially confusing viewers trying to piece together the meaning through context alone. Legal commentators like Emily D. Baker play a crucial role in highlighting these inaccuracies and offering explanations in plain language to viewers to help them understand. Through LawTube, viewers witness high-profile trials and receive the essential explanation of legal proceeding that is often missing from network coverage of these cases.
LawTube Demystifies Legal Knowledge
LawTube’s influence extends beyond high-profile trials and provides understandable and accessible content in varying realms of legal education. The traditional barriers surrounding complex legal concepts disappear as YouTube creators bring legal discussions to the forefront. The casual, conversational tone adopted by many lawyers on YouTube makes legal content accessible to the masses, allowing people who do not have formal legal training to engage with and comprehend legal knowledge. This increased understanding empowers viewers to be informed on important topics in their communities and understand them in a way that allows them to analyze legal developments and participate in meaningful discussions.
LegalEagle, a prominent figure in the LawTube community, is known for his charismatic approach to breaking down complex legal topics for his viewers. LegalEagle, whose real name is Devin J. Stone, blends humor and legal expertise to clarify complex cases and legal concepts. His content discusses real-world legal challenges and news cases and sometimes analyzes legal movie scenes.
10 YouTube Legal Channels For Non-Lawyers
Whether you’re seeking a deeper understanding of high-profile court cases, seeking insight into everyday legal matters, or simply looking to unravel the mysteries of legal terminology, the following YouTube channels offer a gateway to legal knowledge without needing a juris doctorate. Explore the world of legal edutainment with these ten YouTube channels that cater to those viewers without a legal background, making the law accessible, entertaining, and, most importantly, understandable.
- Emily D. Baker @TheEmilyDBaker
- Alina Mazeika @LegalBytesMedia
- Rob Moreton @LawLumber
- Devin J. Stone @LegalEagle
- Richard Hoeg @HoegLaw
- Nate Broady @NateTheLawyer
- Kurt Mueller @UncivilLaw
- Larry Forman @TheDUIGuy+
- David Freiheit @VivaFrei
- Peter Tragos @LawyerYouKnow