Sir William Garrow (13 April 1760 – 24 September 1840) was a historically real British barrister, politician and judge known for his indirect reform of the advocacy system, which helped usher in the adversarial court system used in most common law nations today. He introduced the phrase "presumed innocent until proven guilty", insisting that defendants' accusers and their evidence be thoroughly tested in court.
Born to a priest and his wife in Monken Hadley, then in Middlesex, Garrow was educated at his father's school in the village before being apprenticed to Thomas Southouse, an attorney in Cheapside, which preceded a pupillage with Mr. Crompton, a special pleader. A dedicated student of the law, Garrow frequently observed cases at the Old Bailey; as a result Crompton recommended that he become a solicitor or barrister. Garrow joined Lincoln's Inn in November 1778, and was called to the Bar on 27 November 1783. He quickly established himself as a criminal defense counsel, and in February 1793 was made a King's Counsel by HM Government to prosecute cases involving treason and felonies.
The BBC crime drama reflecting his court room successes is wonderful, especially Season 1. There is the usual out-of-court drama is also very good. Andrew Buchan is extremely charming as Garrow--he has an intelligent passion and a knowing smile that are quite winning. Admittedly, I am a huge fan of this genre, so take my recommendation with a grain of salt, but it is a very interesting time in British history, what with their losing the American colonies, followed by the French Revolution, so Garrow's ability to change the process of justice at that particular time is admirable--and very entertaining to watch.
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