Murder Trial

[Richard Wood]

I have just finished serving on a Jury where the case was one of murder. I want to tell the story and use photographs as part of that story.

What do you all feel about this? Is my request reasonable, I appreciate that the crime is gruesome and I want to get a feel of how far I can push it.

looking forward to your input.

[Paul]

Hi Richard, I would say as long as it stays subtle and maybe leave people to infer some of the more gruesome details then go for it

[Paula x2 Brumbe]

Is it legal to do that?

[Richard Wood]

@brumbe The Lady that looked after the Jury said that it was fine. But that is definately a question that requires an answer.

[Dorrena Ortega]

Generally once a trial has completed it's then ok to discuss it. Since you are creating photos to tell the story, these would be not a true account, I'd think changing the names, location, and anything else that can be tied back to the original crime would be important to do.

[Mike]

Some things to consider. Please do not share images of your fellow jurors. You may notice that even when a trial is televised the jury is never shown. Many times, even after the trial is over, most jurors don't want to be talked to about the case. Anything that happened in the deliberation room is off limits. Same reasons. The jury has an expectation of privacy and you would need each person's permission to post those images. I believe the courtroom is fair game since it's a public place, but again, consideration for others is paramount. This person who was accused of murder. Did you find him/her guilty or not guilty? Finding the person guilty could cause problems for jurors if some other "bad" guys found out who they are.
You really should look into the legality of this before you post any pics.

[Caroline]

Why would you want to do that? Is it really your story to tell? What is your purpose?

[Tina]

if there is a retrial because of an appeal-- how you 'tell' the story should be considered..

[Myrna O'Hara]

I would say it is not the thing to do on this site, maybe just do it for yourself and keep pics in your computer. Just my opinion.

[jinx (@jinximages)]

I get it. These things, when you're that close to them, become a part of you for a while. And if you don't share in some way, they can become too much.

My suggestion - rather than share the actual story (or apparent story, depending on perspective), share instead your responses to it. Some of my personal favourite work has come about because of incidents I've worked on - fatal accidents, murders, suicides and the like - but rather than being a reflection of those things they (my images) have been reflections of my personal feelings. There is no harm in mentioning your "inspirations", but it can be dangerous to be specific regarding details, because legal matters can last for many years even after a trial. Also, it is too hard to adopt a documentary style when you have a personal involvement in a case, not to mention that, as a juror, you will not have been given all the information (so much gets argued out before you guys get to the courtroom).

Tread softly, but don't be afraid to go there.

[Jani M]

@jinximages I give you an Internet Medal of Honor for excellent comment and advice in a discussion thread. Couldn't agree more.

[Rose Humphrey]

Agree totally with @jinximages

Also, remember the families and friends on both sides.

[Mel]

Ah, @jinximages is on the money, very professionally said sir.

[Kylie Martin]

i would avopid it to be honest, like rose said there are families and friends on either side, there could be an appeal, and it's not really your story to tell, just just made a judgement based on info heard

[Richard Wood]

@wardie @brumbe @dmortega @mikehamm @carolinedreams @tklein @sailingmusic @jinximages @janmaki @daffodill @emjay8 @kmrtn6 ... Thank you all for your input. I have considered all that you have said as well as an enpassioned plea from my Mum and have decided not to chronicle the events of the case. I would like to particuarly thank @jinximages for his sage advice and understanding. It has been a emotional journey which has taken over for 6 weeks or so. And you are 100% correct... I need to get it out! But I will try to exorcise the duty in a way that is neither offensive or explicit. Thank you all once again.

[Rose Humphrey]

Richard, you have brought home to me the effect these cases have on the jury, and I will be thinking of you as you work through the last 6 weeks of your life. Experiences like this change us. God bless

[Richard Wood]

@daffodill Thank you Rose. I hadnt thought about how it might change me. I hope it may have improved me somehow.

[Tina]

I believe that just you asking the question and getting back thoughtful opinions/feedback may help you on your journey. God speed on working thru it. I was on a jury myself but not for what you were tasked with.