A Few Good Men

The Strive for Truth

Though truth is hard to come by, it must be found no matter the consequences. In the film, A Few Good Men, Daniel Kaffee makes a good example of what it is to strive to find the truth no matter how tedious or long the path is.

At first, when presented with the case, Kaffee really does not take interest and looks for the easiest route to go with. He does not want to go all the way because he is afraid of losing and not living up to the reputation of his father. JoAnne Galloway, Kaffee’s associate, wants to find the universal truth in the case and pressures Kaffee, but he still does not take interest. Kaffee continues not to take interest in the case until Jack Ross, the prosecutor, dares him to go to court saying he will lose.

Kaffee is told by Private Dawson and Private Downey that they were ordered to undertake a code red on Private Santiago, by Lieutenant Jonathan J. Kendrick. Upon arriving to Cuba to look for evidence, Kaffee is told other wise by Lieutenant Kendrick, Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Markinson, and Colonel Nathan Jessep. They tell Kaffee that they specifically ordered Private Dawson and Downey not to touch Private Santiago. This new evidence, when presented to Kaffee, sparks his interest. Knowing the consequences he decides to find some truth by taunting the prideful, Colonel Jessep. Jessep is annoyed by Kaffee and his colleagues and ends their meeting.

When Kaffee returns back to Washington, he becomes more involved in the case and is committed

to finding the truth. Kaffee talks to Dawson and Downey and learns of the Marine’s code of honor and how they follow with no questions asked. Private Dawson would rather go all the way and live up to his honor and truth, rather than worry about the consequences and take a short prison sentence. He wants the whole truth no matter what it cost him.

Lieutenant Kendrick is put on the witness stand, and when questioned becomes nervous and hostile. Seeing the nervousness of Kendrick, Kaffee has a feeling that Dawson and Downey are telling the truth. After buying a newspaper, Kaffee gets into his car and is surprised by Colonel Markinson. Markinson tells Kaffee shocking news that the code red was ordered by Colonel Jessep. Markinson’s confession gives Kaffee enough confidence to win the case.

When Kaffee asks Markinson to take the witness stand, Markinson refuses. Kaffee insists