lawyer

Show Summary

A British period legal drama set in 18th century London and inspired by the court cases and life of pioneering 18th century barrister William Garrow.

Garrow is a talented, young barrister determined to install justice into a corrupt legal system of Georgian England. His confrontational and sometimes arrogant stance in the courtroom does not earn him any favours with the political elite and creates enemies within the criminal underground. His associate John Southouse, a solicitor, is often disapproving of Garrow's rebellious attitude, but nevertheless offers him advice and help.

Each episode features a case inspired by true legal proceedings as recorded at Old Bailey Archives: from rape and murder to high treason and corruption. The real William Garrow coined the phrase: innocent until proven guilty. in an age when defence counsel was for the minority. He was known for his forceful cross-examinations and more than once he offered to defend the accused for free.

A major subplot is a love story between Garrow and Lady Sarah Hill. Their love affair gradually develops. It begins as an unspoken attraction. Then, Garrow's courtroom rival, Silvester, questions the appropriateness of Garrow's friendship with Lady Sarah. Garrow challenges him to a duel. This starts a chain of events, resulting in Lady Sarah Hill leaving her husband and Sir Arthur Hill accusing Garrow of Crmininal Coversation (legal jargon for adultery).

The series is created by Tony Merchant, a British playwright and television dramatist: "I always wanted Garrow's Law to be a show that educated and entertained, using Garrow as someone whose work at the Old Bailey could tell us something new or too easily forgotten about our past and the rights he fought to gain."