The 10 Most Jaw-Dropping Cases from the Hit Show 'The Practice' That Still Haunt Fans Today

It's been over two decades since David E. Kelley's critically acclaimed legal drama 'The Practice' last aired, but the show's impact still resonates with fans today. The series' mix of witty dialogue, complex characters, and wild cases made it a staple of 1990s and early 2000s television. One of the key elements that set 'The Practice' apart from other legal dramas was its willingness to tackle unusual and often bizarre cases, which sparked both outrage and fascination from viewers.

From clients with delusions of grandeur to those with unorthodox relationships, the show's writers never shied away from pushing the boundaries of what was considered acceptable on television. In this article, we'll revisit 10 of the wildest cases from 'The Practice' that still haunt fans today, including a client who believed he was Superman, another who fancied himself Hannibal Lecter, and a third who had a rather unusual complex involving a monkey.

The first of these cases involves a man who genuinely believed he was Superman. Dubbed the 'Superman Defense,' this case saw the man in question claim that he was, in fact, the Man of Steel from the planet Krypton, and therefore couldn't be held accountable for his actions. As his lawyers navigated the complexities of the case, they were forced to question the limits of the insanity defense and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

Another standout case from 'The Practice' was that of a man who modeled himself after Hannibal Lecter, the fictional serial killer from Thomas Harris' novel 'The Silence of the Lambs.' This client's obsession with the cannibalistic doctor led him to commit a string of gruesome and disturbing crimes, which his lawyers struggled to defend in court. As the case unfolded, it raised questions about the extent to which art and media can influence real-life behavior.

a third case that continues to fascinate fans today is that of a man with a monkey complex. The client in question developed a romantic relationship with a Capuchin monkey, which he insisted was his wife. As his lawyers fought to have the charges against him dropped, they were forced to confront the boundaries of consent, intimacy, and relationships in a society that often views such arrangements as taboo.

These cases, although extreme and unusual, highlight the complexities and nuances of the human experience. By tackling such difficult subjects, 'The Practice' provided a platform for discussing some of the most pressing social issues of the time, including the nature of insanity, the impact of media on behavior, and the definition of relationships.

Despite the show's cancellation over 15 years ago, the legacy of 'The Practice' lives on in its dedicated fan base. With the rise of streaming services, fans are now able to rewatch their favorite episodes and experience the show's unique blend of humor, drama, and intrigue all over again. Whether you're a longtime fan or just discovering the series for the first time, 'The Practice' remains an essential watch for anyone interested in law, drama, and the complexities of the human condition.