The Trial: A Murder in the Family
"The Trial" is a brand-new, ground-breaking five-part series to be spread across one week on Channel 4. A fictional crime will be authentically tried by a team that includes eminent practicing QCs, a genuine judge, and a jury of 12 members of the public. The only actors include the accused--a man who is pleading not guilty for the murder of his wife--the deceased, and some of the witnesses. 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 and reveal the inner workings of the justice system as never seen before. 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. The trial centers around the murder of 38-year-old Carla Davis, who was strangled to death in her own home. The accused is her estranged husband, Simon. The prosecution is led by Max Hill QC with junior barrister Michelle Nelson. Defendant Davis is represented by John Ryder QC and junior barrister Lucy Organ. Presiding is Judge Brian Barker CBE QC--formerly the most senior judge at the Old Bailey. Giving evidence at the trial will be forensic experts, police officers and eye witnesses as well as friends and relatives of both the deceased and the accused.
- 2017-2017
- 1 season
- Documentary, Suspense
"The Trial" is a brand-new, ground-breaking five-part series to be spread across one week on Channel 4. A fictional crime will be authentically tried by a team that includes eminent practicing QCs, a genuine judge, and a jury of 12 members of the public. The only actors include the accused--a man who is pleading not guilty for the murder of his wife--the deceased, and some of the witnesses. 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 and reveal the inner workings of the justice system as never seen before. 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. The trial centers around the murder of 38-year-old Carla Davis, who was strangled to death in her own home. The accused is her estranged husband, Simon. The prosecution is led by Max Hill QC with junior barrister Michelle Nelson. Defendant Davis is represented by John Ryder QC and junior barrister Lucy Organ. Presiding is Judge Brian Barker CBE QC--formerly the most senior judge at the Old Bailey. Giving evidence at the trial will be forensic experts, police officers and eye witnesses as well as friends and relatives of both the deceased and the accused.
Season 1 Episode Guide
5 Episodes 2017
Episode 1
Episode #1.1
48 mins
The series that tries a fictional murder case in a real court commences with police officers and eyewitnesses being called upon to build up a picture of the day Simon's estranged wife was killed.
Episode 2
Episode #1.2
48 mins
The trial of academic Simon Davis continues as friends of he and his estranged wife Carla give evidence to the court.
Episode 3
Episode #1.3
46 mins
The trial reaches a pivotal moment as Carla's boyfriend, Lewis Skinner gives evidence. While the prosecution use him to present personal details the defence team see him as an alternate suspect.
Episode 4
Episode #1.4
The hearing of the trial concludes as the final evidence is heard, QC's John Ryder and Max Hill present their closing speeches, Judge Brian Barker gives his summing-up and the jury retire to deliberate.
Episode 5
Episode #1.5
47 mins
The jury conclude their deliberations and deliver their verdict. Irrespective of whether the jury find Simon guilty or nor guilty, viewers will discover the truth in a dramatised segment showing what really happened.