JURY SERVICE AND CAMERAS ( Letter to THE TIMES )

THE TIMES.

28^th MAY , 1981

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

SEEN TO BE DONE

 

From Mr Mark Negin

 

Sir, Mr George Mikes (letter, May 23) asks what is so terrible in taking photographs in court. Having served as a juror at the Old Bailey and in the Number One court, may I say that I found the appointment both frightening and awful.

Despite the impressive help and consideration from court officials and the judge, the sense of responsibility as a juryman remained heavy and must be especially so in a case of murder. One is aware of being closely watched in an unaccustomed role by court, counsel and public. If added to these pressures was an awareness of cameras in court (with or without flashlights), I personally would have found the situation even more disconcerting ; not a help when one is required to be calm, attentive and considerate.

My sense of duty as a juror would have been compromised had I been "on show". There may, of course, be jurors who would be less camera-shy than myself. Perhaps cameras in court could make jury service a road to stardom.

 

Yours faithfully, MARK NEGIN, London,NW8.