Indeed, contemporary production publicity stated that, for almost all of the scripts, two endings were written and rehearsed to cope with the jury's independent decision, which was delivered for the first time, as in a real court case, while the programme's recording progressed.

In the first year or so stories often opened with photographs of key figures or incidents around the alleged offence over which the court reporter would narrate the background to the case.

In July and August 1975 a number of stories were presented in single extended episodes at 8.15pm on Saturdays—a prime time scheduling.

On 27 December 1973 a 52-minute self-contained episode Murder Most Foul had a distinctly light-hearted theme and even featured special Christmas-style titles and music.

Neither aspect figured in episodes from the broadcast run itself, which strictly confined legal discussions to the courtroom.

Actors Ernest Hare and David Neal make their only appearances, as a judge and barrister respectively.

Other (then or subsequently) famous names to appear on the show included Eleanor Bron, Peter Capaldi, Warren Clarke, Tom Conti, Brian Cox, Honey Bane, Philip Bond, Liz Dawn, Michael Elphick, Sheila Fearn, Colin Firth, Gregor Fisher, Brenda Fricker, Derek Griffiths, Nigel Havers, Ian Hendry, Joan Hickson, Bernard Hill, Ben Kingsley, John Le Mesurier, Ian Marter, Mark McManus, Vivien Merchant, Mary Miller, Geraldine Newman, Bill Nighy, Judy Parfitt, Robert Powell, Patricia Routledge, Peter Sallis, Anthony Sharp, Michael Sheard, Barbara Shelley, Juliet Stevenson, Patrick Troughton, Mary Wimbush and Mark Wing-Davey.

Writers included Ian Curteis, David Fisher, Peter Wildeblood, John Godber, Ngaio Marsh and Jeremy Sandford.