What is The Jury: Murder Trial? Channel 4 legal experiment explained
The Channel 4 programme will offer an insight into the jury system.
Ever wondered whether you can trust our justice system?
Well, upcoming Channel 4 programme The Jury: Murder Trial will examine this very issue by re-enacting, word for word, a real murder trial at a disused courthouse in Essex.
The jurors know it’s a fake trial being re-enacted for TV, but what they don’t know is that there is an entire other 12-person jury recreating the trial in a room next door.
Of course, the crucial question will be: will the two different juries reach the same verdict? And if not, well, what does that say about our jury system?
If you're wondering which true case the two juries will hear, then read on for everything you need to know about the Channel 4 legal experiment.
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What is The Jury: Murder Trial? Legal experiment explained
The Jury: Murder Trial will re-stage an entire, real murder trial from the original transcripts in front of 24 jurors to see if they can reach the same verdict when shown the same evidence.
The case itself involves John Risedale (played by Sam Alexander), who killed his wife by attacking her with a hammer. He maintains that he "lost control" and is, therefore, not guilty of murder – but will the jurors believe his version of events?
Andy Vasey and Dan Warner, Creative Directors, 4creative, said: "The show is an innovative true crime experiment that gives the public an insight into the British jury system.
"Our campaign spotlights how, for example, a juror being hungover or tired might be as likely to sway a verdict as the facts of the case.
"With one trial and two juries, it's fascinating to see whether the same verdict will be reached by both."
When is The Jury: Murder Trial on TV?
The Jury: Murder Trial will air on Monday 26th February at 9pm on Channel 4.
The Jury: Murder Trial will air on Monday 26th February at 9pm on Channel 4. Visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on.
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