Terrorism and counter-terrorism have long been a source from which Hollywood draws inspiration to create films. The Dark Knight is no exception. The Dark Knight (a piece of popular culture) sheds light on the justice system in our post-9/11 world. Popular culture not only reflects social status, but also influences how people view the law. Speaking from personal experience, I believe this is because people have little to no direct experience with the law and legal issues, meaning that much of our knowledge is second-hand and often culled from pop culture. On the other hand, popular culture is used as a tool by people in power since it is easily accessible to the public. This gives pop culture the power to shape people's opinions about law, justice, terrorism, and the legal issues that arise from them. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay The Dark Knight is the second film in Nolan's Batman series. Nolan uses the classic story where Bruce witnesses the murder of his two parents. This catastrophe grows a seed inside Bruce that will eventually lead him to become Batman. Batman does not have superhuman powers like Superman, however, Batman is at the pinnacle of human strength and martial arts skills, not to be trifled with. Not to mention the cool technology he has access to, like the Batmobile and the phone surveillance sonar system that connects to people's cell phones to create a sort of live map. This all comes together beautifully when Batman kidnaps Gotham mob money launderer Lau from Hong Kong. Wonderfully, Bruce escapes using a skyhook which is then swept by a jumbo as it defends itself in the night sky. Once arrested, Lau testifies against the mafia (his clients) in exchange for freedom and a private plane back to Hong Kong. As a result of Lau's denunciation to the mob bosses, they decide to accept the Joker's offer (kill Batman for half of the mob fortune). Enter: The Joker. Joker begins his reign of terror in Gotham by keeping his promise to kill innocent people until Batman reveals his identity. His killing spree begins with one of Batman's impersonators followed by the judge who sentenced the mobsters under Laus' testimony. After killing both the double and the judge, the Joker targets police commissioner and district attorney Harvey Dent. Although the joker managed to kill the previous targets; Bruce managed to stop the Joker's henchmen from capturing Harvey. Bruce, unable to take responsibility for the deaths of innocent civilians at the hands of the Joker, prepares to reveal his secret identity. Dent, who is against Batman revealing his identity, tries to facilitate the public's demand that Batman reveal his identity. This forces Dent's hand: Dent claims to be Batman and is taken into custody. While Dent is transported to prison, the Joker attacks. However, the real Batman appears and manages to capture the Joker. Later, at the police station, Batman viciously attacks the Joker after the Joker reveals that his henchmen have taken both Dent and Assistant District Attorney Rachel hostage. The Joker reveals their locations knowing that Batman doesn't have time to save them both. Batman chooses to save Rachael, however, the Joker lied and that lie ultimately led Batman to Dent's location instead of Rachel's. Batman manages to save Dents' life and Rachael is killed before Gordon can reach her.. .