David Pickup considers changing perceptions of the judiciary in popular culture
Recently, I saw an episode of Judge John Deed, the BBC TV series which ran from 2001 to 2007. It’s still available on DVD – and, like the format, it demonstrates in the most tangible way how much has changed within the century. I can’t think of many series or one-off dramas that feature judges. Indeed, even this one is a drama which, in its day, people seemed to either love or criticise. It is fair to say it wasn’t always procedurally accurate – and the characters – particularly the judge – do things that wouldn’t be allowed in real life. However, it was a drama meant to entertain the public – not necessarily to provide a lecture on the legal system. Martin Shaw’s character, Mr ...
