Garrow's Law Series Three [DVD]

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 lawyer, initially specialising in defence and subsequently becoming an MP 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, 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 idiom as `death by cop'. A quick search through Google will confirm that, as with all cases in Garrow's Law, this was a real case.

Garrow's personal life is also based on fact, as he had a long term relationship and later married Sarah, who had previously borne a child by a Viscount. Obviously the script writer has had to fill in the gaps, but it appears that the significant facts which can be checked out are correct so what we have here is a fascinating insight into the workings of the legal system a little over two hundred years ago, and the life and work of a highly influential individual.

As in the previous two series the main criticism is that the season is so short, comprising only four episodes to go with the eight previously. There is a tendency in the UK towards short series although four seems to be taking this to extremes. Perhaps basing the stories on real cases is the limiting factor here. In any case I hope we do get to see more of Garrow's Law as it is excellent entertainment with the added interest that it is based on fact.

Update: It has now been confirmed that there will be no more Garrow's law. How do they make these decisions to axe such a successful series?

I have so enjoyed this series. I appreciated the history that was incorporated into the compelling stories. I cannot say enough good things about the series. I was so sad to find that the BBC has chosen not to renew the program. I thought this hideous kind of programming decision was peculiar to the powers that be in U. S. television. Apparently not. Shame BBC One.

This is series number 3 and it's the best of the 3. What a shame the BBC decided not to make any more as this series shows that the team that make the show were hitting their stride. This series is the most personal about Garrow and Andrew Buchan does a wonderful job with these emotional scenes.

As with the first 2 series the language (that Garrow in particular has to grapple with) is truly beautiful and remarkable. You have to really listen to what they are saying but the effort pays dividends as you are swept up into the world the team create.

An elegant and moving series.