Interview with Juror: Natalie, 41, teacher

12 March 2017

How did you get involved in The Trial?

I’d just had a baby, they were two months old, I got a letter through the post and my husband said, do it! So I did.

Why did you want to take part?

I’d always wanted to do jury service, and by the time the process started my daughter was 4 months old and I was getting a bit braindead. I wanted some interaction and mental stimulation, which I certainly got!

Did being a teacher and a married mother give you a particular perspective?

Only my experience with people. I thought I’d have a lot to offer. I’m interested in experiences and other people’s opinions and insights into how other people think, which was something that excited me about the project.

How did the reality of being in court measure up to your expectations?

I found the whole process at times to be very interesting and at times quite boring. It’s all the detail, when I’m the type of person that will skim through information, thinking, I get it, I get it, let’s move on. Apart from that, I thought it would be easier speaking with the other jurors. That was an eye-opener.

What sort of rules did you have to abide by as a juror?

We could only talk at certain times. The judge stipulated we could only speak as a 12, which was virtually impossible. We’d go into a room and you’d naturally sit together and then just start talking, and then realise you’re not allowed to do that because not everyone’s present. So instead you have to go, “everyone come here, I have something to say! No, you can’t go to the toilet, I’ve got to get this off my chest!”.

Being in a situation that intense must create a bond. Have you kept in touch?

Yeah, most of us have. We feel a deep connection because we all went through that experience together. Whether we agreed with each other or liked each other was irrelevant, it’s something that’s unique to us. Had I met them outside the jury, would I be friends with them? Probably not, but we’ve got something in common now.

How odd was doing jury service on camera?

In the beginning we were miked up every morning which was quite intimidating. In our room where we talked between sessions, we were aware the cameras were there. In court, there’s so much going on that you forget about it.

Would it be a good idea to let cameras into courtroom and film trials?

Yes. You’re allowed to go in and witness trials in the gallery anyway, but you’d need to be following a case every single day, you couldn’t just dip in and out, and that’s a big commitment for people.

Would you fancy doing it for real now?

No! Been there, done that. Although having said that, I definitely didn’t want to when I finished it, but as time goes by I’m relaxing about the idea.

Do you feel like the experience has changed you?

It has. I learned I can be more tolerant of other people. Having in the past assumed too quickly that people might be ignorant or stupid, I've learned to listen carefully. I had to push myself out of my comfort zone and force myself to be with people who had opposing viewpoints. Teaching is very different – it’s my job to listen to students and explain things in different ways if they don’t understand it. This wasn’t about teaching anyone anything – we’d all receive the same facts and the same information at the same time – but more about seeing how people interpreted that information and used their life experiences to reach their conclusions.

Will you watch it through your fingers or are you excited?

I’m really, really excited. I’m going to cringe every time I see myself, that’s my worst nightmare, but I really want to watch it. I don’t know if we reached the right verdict, but I think it’ll be amazing television.

I hope for your sake you made the right decision.

So do I. I’m going to have to put myself in a dark place if I’m wrong. I might have to rethink a lot about myself – maybe I’ve learnt nothing at all…