Reel Records: Erin Brockovich - Recordkeeping's Pivotal Role in Justice
Erin Brockovich demonstrates how proper documentation can empower individuals to drive change and achieve justice.
The film Erin Brockovich (2000) tells the true story of Erin Brockovich, a legal assistant whose meticulous recordkeeping was key to a groundbreaking environmental lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E). The case centred on water contamination in Hinkley, California, and highlighted the critical role of documentation in uncovering corporate wrongdoing and achieving justice.
Erin’s success stemmed from uncovering crucial evidence hidden in real estate documents, gathering and organising over 600 residents’ medical records, and maintaining a reliable chain of custody for all data. These practices ensured the integrity of her findings and strengthened her case. She also used public records to expose PG&E’s negligence, demonstrating the power of thorough research.
Whether physical or digital, accurate recordkeeping is the foundation of accountability. Erin Brockovich exemplifies how documentation can empower individuals to create change and secure justice.