Mistrial of the Century: A Private Diary of the Jury System on Trial

by Judith Kennedy, Alan Abrahamson, Judith Spreckels

Tracy Kennedy served as a juror in the trial of O.J. Simpson. Dismissed from the Jury by Judge Lance A. Ito on March 17, 1995, Kennedy was at last able to walk away from the famed trial that has kept an entire nation spellbound. In Mistrial of the Century - A Private Diary of the Jury System on Trial, Tracy and his wife Judith, for the first time, recount their experiences as a part of one of the biggest legal battles in history. In Mistrial of the Century - A Private Diary of the Jury System on Trial, Kennedy finally discloses exactly what life was like for the couple in the days leading up to the trial, and how it differed so much from their expectations. In an up close and personal style, each of the Kennedys then reveals in detail what happened during the trial and sequestration, a sequestration that turned the lives of a normal, happily-married couple into an emotional hell. Finally, the book investigates the Kennedys' lives after Tracy's eventual dismissal from the jury, delving into the immense psychological impact the "Trial of the Century" has had on this couple and how they have chosen to deal with it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography, Politics

303 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Ellie Revert · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating indictment of our jury system Tracy Kennedy was a juror in the OJ Simpson murder trial, and this books shares how that experience affected both him and his wife, Judy. Tracy was removed from the jury after 66 days of sequestration, and keep in mind, for the rest of the jurors who were not released, it became a 9 month long separation from family and from the real world. With no help---no counselor brought in-----even though requested. Simpson had many more privileges than did the sequestered jurors.

The book was written in 1995 4 months before the verdict arrived. We became good friends of Judy Kennedy in 2007 here in Hattiesburg, MS---she was a wonderful kind gracious absolutely beautiful woman--who helped as many people as she met. In June, her husband, Tracy, killed her and then he committed suicide. We never knew of their involvement with the OJ case. We attended her memorial service Monday, 7/21/08---we would encourage one and all to read their story.

[Gerald Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

This biographical book gives a first-person account of what it was like to be on the jury for the O.J. Simpson murder trial. It is not a book about the judge, lawyers or the evidence, but how dehumanizing it was during sequestration, to be treated like a prisoner, with less rights and freedom than O.J. himself. The experience was so traumatic that it actually led to the author’s attempted suicide. I found it fascinating and very discouraging in regard to the justice system. I hope that his account had led to better treatment of jurors.

The audio version is narrated by the author himself, and his wife, who tells her side of the story and how no one in the justice system would listen to her warnings of what was happening to all of the jurors.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I discovered that the author and his wife were found dead. Victims of a suicide, murder. It was extremely difficult to find much
information. There was no date on the article but I figured out it was 13 years after Tracy was dismissed from the jury. He was 52 at the time of his dismissal and 65 at the time of his death.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, but it was mistitled. The current title suggests that the book will be about the content of the O.J. Simpson trial. It included that, in brief form, but the book should be called, "Jury Duty Can be Harmful to Your Health!" The book described the negative effects of long-term, sequestered jury duty on the author, his wife, and the other jury members. The point was well-made, but the book was so misleading as to be a bad experience. Much of the time I felt the author was just whining about his jury duty. Had the book been titled better, I would have only been reading for his psychological symptoms, and would have enjoyed the book, as a professional psychology book!

[Huguette Larochelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow i view of what his like to be sequestered in the O.J Simpson trial. to be lock up for so long.

[Todd Deratany · Rating 4 out of 5]

meh

[Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a book about the relationship between jurors and their behind-the-trial lives, you'd be better off with Cooley's "Madam Foreman" or Knox's "Diary." Kennedy strikes me as a fair, honest person; his account of sequestration focuses more on his own thoughts and responses rather than his interactions with the other jurors. Certain things he said (or didn't say) struck me as at odds with statements made by the other jurors in their aforementioned memoirs. Based on my (extensive) trial reading, the explanation for Kennedy's dismissal doesn't strike me as altogether forthright. However, the stress and dehumanization that Kennedy and his wife suffered as a result of the judicial sequestrations processes would lead any reader to be sympathetic to his post-release life and struggles.

[Deborah Cottrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not " the same old story "

This is a story about a juror on one of A TRUE INFAMOUS TRAIL, known all over the world. It does not focus on the accused, it tells a fascinating story of the life of just one jurors journey or should I say nightmare experience as a sequestered juror on one of most highly profiled trails in history. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. You'll never forget what you read. No spoiler alert here.