Thursday, September 12, 2013

Episode 2



Fascinating insight into English Law 200 Years Ago
I think the most fascinating aspect of Garrow's Law is that this is not a fictional account. Although not as widely known as perhaps he warrants, William Garrow was a prominent English lawyer, initially specialising in defence and subsequently becoming a Member of Parliament and Solicitor General.

Garrow is widely credited as being the father of the adversarial system of justice which is in use in many countries with forthright cross examination of witnesses. His insistence that hearsay evidence should not be admissible led to the rules on `best evidence'. Each of these episodes is based on a true case from the annals of the Old Bailey, England's premier criminal court, although not necessarily one which Garrow was involved with. For example this season's first episode concerns a disturbed individual called James Hadfield. He has directed a shot towards the Prince Regent at Drury Lane Theatre and, it emerges, was attempting suicide in what would be described in the modern...

Great History and Drama
We love this series and look forward to more seasons. This last one was wrapped up nicely, great and cleaver endings with a tease of new alliance with the politician Fox. Which of course we know has more historical truth to the tale.

Great acting. Will miss Alun Armstrong. He is such a great actor.

Keep them coming with more like this.

Another Well Done BBC Product
Very interesting costume drama about an assertive lawyer (barrister?) in 18th Century England whose interest is always in protecting the meek and the innocent from the rich and famous connivers who would have their way regardless of their brand of "justice". When tired of the juvenile and unnecessarily violent junk that masquerades these days as "drama" on networks and cable stations, try the Garrow Series.

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