Law-breakers, law-enforcers, lawyers, the law - in 13 frank documentary films set in Florida, USA, where, for one experimental year, the State opened up its court-rooms to the camera.
1: Murder in the First Degree Part 1
Henry Peelle (86) is found sadistically slain in his bedroom overlooking Miami Beach. In six weeks Thomas Perri is arrested. But the case against Perri can only stick because his accomplice Stephen Weiss is a ' snitch' - he's turned State's evidence. Weiss's testimony can send Perri to the chair - now a stark reality since John Spenkelink was electrocuted in May this year. Film cameras are in court as the shadow of death hangs over Perri, and his Defence bends every rule of procedure to needle Weiss and discredit his evidence with accusations of deviant sexual practices. Walter Merricks adds an English lawyer's point of view.
Film cameraman COLIN DEERAN Film recordist JOHN PRITCHARD Film editor JOHN BARNES Research mo LOWYER executive producer ROGER MILLS
Producer MARK ANDERSON
(Part 2 tomorrow at 10.20 pm)