Watch Criminal Justice
- Not Rated
- 2008
- 2 Seasons
-
7.7 (2,055)
Criminal Justice is a British television series that aired on BBC One from 2008-2009. The show is a criminal drama that is focused on the trial of a young man accused of murder, and the impact that it has on the lives of those involved. The show follows Ben Coulter (played by Ben Whishaw), a young man who finds himself caught up in a web of lies and suspicion after spending the night with a woman who is found murdered the next day. Coulter is quickly arrested and charged with the murder, but as the case progresses, it becomes clear that there may be more to the story than meets the eye. Over the course of the series, viewers are introduced to a range of characters who are involved in the case in various ways. These include Juliet Miller (played by Juliet Aubrey), Coulter's solicitor who is fighting tirelessly to prove his innocence; Detective Superintendent Box (played by Bill Paterson), the head of the investigation who is convinced of Coulter's guilt; and David Westhead (played by David Westhead), a prosecutor who is determined to secure a conviction. Other key players in the story include Juliet Aubrey as Coulter's mother, Pete Postlethwaite as the barrister who defends Coulter in court, and Ruth Negga as a fellow prisoner who befriends Coulter in jail. One of the strengths of Criminal Justice is the way in which it explores the nuances and complexities of the criminal justice system. From the police investigation to the trial and beyond, viewers are given a glimpse into the often messy and imperfect process of bringing a case to court. The show does not shy away from depicting the flaws in the system, including the impact of media attention on high-profile cases and the role of plea bargaining in securing a conviction. At the same time, the show is also deeply interested in the emotional toll that the case has on Coulter and those around him. As the trial progresses, viewers watch as Coulter's relationships with his family and friends are strained under the weight of the accusations against him. We also see the impact of the trial on other key players in the case, including the victim's family members and the police officers involved in the investigation. Throughout the series, the performances are uniformly excellent. Ben Whishaw is particularly outstanding in the lead role, capturing both the fear and confusion of a young man caught up in something he does not fully understand. Pete Postlethwaite and David Westhead also deliver strong performances as the opposing barristers in court, while Bill Paterson is convincingly gruff as the head of the investigation. Overall, Criminal Justice is a gripping and thought-provoking drama that provides a nuanced look at the criminal justice system and the impact that a high-profile trial can have on those involved. The show's strong performances and complex storytelling make it an engaging and satisfying watch for fans of crime drama.
