New Legal Drama Holds Criminal Justice System ‘In Contempt’

By Sameer Rao Apr 10, 2018

BET shines a light on the burnout, bureaucracy and racism public defenders endure with "In Contempt," a new drama series that debuts tonight (April 10). 

As demonstrated in the above trailer, "In Contempt" follows Gwen Sullivan (Erica Ash, "Survivor’s Remorse"), a public defender seeking justice for her predominantly Black clients. Her dedication to helping them often collides with a criminal justice system that is more interested in conviction, and viewers see Sullivan absorb the impact this battle has on her career and well-being; she survives recurring panic attacks as she battles her disillusionment with the system. 

The trailer also touches on issues like underfunded public defender offices and biased sentencing that attorneys like Sullivan and series creator Terri Kopp ("Law & Order") encounter in courtrooms every day.

"In Contempt" premieres tonight on BET at 10 p.m. EDT.