Continuity mistake: After the cover is removed from Judge Straight's head, the camera shifts to him over 40 times within about 7 minutes and his hair looks different almost every time. Initially, a back view of the judge's head shows long dishevelled hair with some strands above his head. A little later, a side view shows his hair mostly combed (not unruly). The location of his part varies (right side to middle). He may or may not have bang strands dangling; if dangling, the number and direction of strands vary. (00:02:48 - 00:04:40)
Other mistake: Henry David Cole ("Hero") largely speaks in a staccato-like monotone voice that isn't very low. It is not recognizable as belonging to a certain actor until he unintentionally uses a higher voice - Vincent Kartheiser's. Kartheiser was using a deeper voice to play "Hero" but occasionally got out of character and used his naturally higher voice. (00:24:03)
Character mistake: The judge also told Hero that if the jury found him guilty of killing Ron, he "would be put to death." This is not necessarily true. Offenders convicted of capital crimes can be given life or other sentences. In states where juries decide the punishment, they do not have to sentence the offender to death. (00:31:39)
Character mistake: Hero asked Judge Straight what should happen to him for killing Ron. The judge replied, "Well, then you should be arrested, incarcerated, indicted, and tried." "Incarceration" is used to refer to long-term confinement of offenders who have been convicted and sentenced. Instead of incarcerated, a judge should know that if a defendant is denied bail (typical for capital crime cases), he would be DETAINED in a jail or detention center while awaiting trial. (00:31:20)
Plot hole: The judge was reading from a newspaper that had "New York" and 2015 on the last page, suggesting this is the movie's setting. The article states, " The murderer of the Jeeter girl was executed this morning..." (six years after his conviction in 2009). New York's death penalty was ruled unconstitutional in 2004 and 2007 and is considered abolished. (Although the law remains on the book, it cannot be implemented until/unless it is revised/ rewritten to be constitutional). (00:16:11 - 00:33:28)
Revealing mistake: Although the background scenery in the basement (behind the judge and Ron) changes with camera views, what is shown rarely (if ever) corresponds to the correct size and angle/location that would be expected. For example, the file cabinet in the corner behind Judge Straight shows up in different places, some very close to him and others at a distance; its size is not proportionate. Sometimes, the brick wall is directly behind the judge but to the right (of the screen) at other times. (00:03:28 - 00:11:29)
