The inner workings of the legal system
THE TRIAL: A MURDER IN THE FAMILY C4, Sunday-Thursday, 9pm
IN THIS brand-new groundbreaking five-part series, a fictional murder case is tried in a real court, by eminent practicing QCs, a genuine judge and a jury comprising 12 randomly selected members of the public.
A thrilling hybrid of drama and documentary, The Trial aims to both hook viewers with the real twists and turns of a criminal murder trial. Revealing the inner workings of the justice system as never before, the format provides unique insights into how both sides conduct their cases, from strategic debates to conferences with clients.
Secrets of what being a juror entails will be revealed when cameras follow them into the deliberation room as they try to reach their verdict.
Simon Davis (played by actor Michael Gould) is an academic accused of murdering his estranged wife Carla, who was strangled in her own home.
His defence team is led by renowned QC John Ryder, whose CV includes the Damilola Taylor murder trial, and junior barrister Lucy Organ. The prosecution is steered by the government’s new independent reviewer of terrorism legislation, Max Hill QC with junior barrister Michelle Nelson.
Presiding is Brian Barker QC, recently retired but formerly the Old Bailey most senior judge.
As the trial begins, police officers, forensic experts and witnesses are called to give evidence, and – as Simon and the jury look on – a picture is painted of the day when Carla Davis was killed.
The series airs over five consecutive nights.