Joh trial TV show whips up a storm

By Bill Mason

BRISBANE -- Even before it has been screened, the “docu-drama” Joh's Jury has created a storm of controversy, with some legal circles claiming the program (showing on February 16 on ABC TV) could lead to the destruction of the jury system in Queensland.

The Criminal Law Association has labelled the show “irresponsible in the extreme” and a fundamental attack on the jury system.

Joh's Jury recreates the events surrounding the Joh Bjelke-Petersen corruption trial in 1991. The trial ended in a hung jury with the foreman, Luke Shaw, revealed as a former office bearer in the Young Nationals and a member of the Friends of Joh group.

A Criminal Justice Commission inquiry into the jury selection process followed.

Criminal Law Association president Michael Quinn said the state government should act urgently to outlaw public revelations by jurors after a verdict. He said public discussion of private jury deliberations could undermine public confidence in the whole system.

However, Joh's Jury producer Rod Allan said the program raised important issues, such as the lack of information to jurors about their rights.

“Jury confidentiality is important, but this is an exceptional and well-publicised case”, Allan said. “There are circumstances where jurors should be able to speak out.”

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