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If you recall from last year (which wasn’t too long ago, so keep up), you may remember Jury Duty, a reality show on Prime Video that was my top pick of the year. The concept was brilliant in its simplicity: a fictitious courthouse was set up in LA, where all the members of the prosecution, defense, and jury were actors. At the center of it all was one unsuspecting man, Ronald Gladden. It was a remarkable logistical feat, and the show’s success hinged on Gladden’s genuine nature and kind heart. Despite its comedic approach, the show also shed light on the flaws of the US legal system. It demonstrated how easily a group of 12 people can be influenced by a well-told story, shared trauma, or simply ignorance. It also highlighted how the significance of information can be heavily influenced by the context in which it was presented. I cannot stress this enough: you must watch Jury Duty.

Prior to that, it is recommended that you tune in to The Jury: Murder Trial (airing on 26 February at 9pm on Channel 4). Despite its similar name and premise, it is a distinct show. It takes place in Chelmsford, Essex, a contextually significant location, and differs in that it lacks comedic elements. The show is a re-enactment of a real murder trial, with talented actors delivering the court transcripts verbatim. The jurors are aware that it is a staged trial for television, but what they are unaware of is that there is another jury next to them, using a separate staircase and discussing the case in a different room. This unique setup brings forth candid admissions to the camera and provides a never-before-seen look into the jury system. The central question of whether the two juries will reach the same verdict adds to the intrigue. If they do, it may be deemed successful, but if they do not, it could potentially be one of the most chilling series to ever air on TV.

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Experts have stated in the introduction that the inner workings of juries are not fully understood, similar to how anesthesia works. This is because jurors are required to maintain confidentiality and there is limited knowledge about their discussions in small, dull meeting spaces. Research has suggested that juries make incorrect decisions approximately 25% of the time, which is concerning. The Jury: Murder Trial effectively showcases how one strong personality or opinion can sway the group’s decision, potentially causing irreversible consequences, by comparing the Red Jury to the Blue Jury in real-time. It is fascinating to observe how individuals freely disclose information that even a torturer could not extract – on the first day, one person casually admits to throwing a plate at their spouse and everyone moves on as if it is normal. Jury rooms exist in a peculiar half-reality and observing them in this manner is captivating.

The speed and intensity with which jurors form opinions about the victim and perpetrator of a crime, based on their own experiences, is truly fascinating. The main case presented is complex, which likely explains why it was chosen: a husband who admitted to killing his wife but used a “loss of control” defense due to not fully recalling his actions or motives. It is a challenging viewing experience, especially as one is reminded that these are real events and words spoken in a real court about a real person’s life. Similar to Anatomy of a Fall, the victim’s character and their relationship with the accused are dissected and portrayed in a harsh and unflattering manner. The legal system’s tendency to downplay serious injuries by focusing on past behavior, such as being “mean” to an ex-partner, is unsettling and raises questions about its fairness and compassion.

This is one of the most captivating TV experiments I have seen in a while. The jurors become emotional and argue with each other. After a difficult day in court, you witness them supporting each other in small ways, such as a tap on the shoulder or offering a tissue, and eventually coming together to make a decision. It’s impossible to watch this and have a positive view of the jury system, but if you set that aside and simply appreciate it as quality television, you’ll be satisfied. However, it might also deter you from committing any crimes.

Source: theguardian.com