American Courts Could Learn a Lot From the Russell Brand Trial

Plus: Sam Rockwell reacts to scenes from his career; an early look at Netflix’s ‘Pride and Prejudice’ series

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November 5, 2026

There are many things about Britain that are hard for an American to get behind: the concept of jellied eels, the general lack of air conditioning, calling a truck a “lorry.” But as Luke Jones notes today, American courts could stand to learn something from the British system, in which even the highest-profile cases are legally barred from becoming media circuses. Take, for instance, the recently concluded trial of Russell Brand. The onetime movie star has been found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. But because British courtrooms are closed information systems that don’t allow cameras, there could be no spin as Brand stepped down from the witness stand—and no online reprisals against his accusers, either. “Did you watch the Amber Heard–versus–Johnny Depp defamation trial in 2022?” asks Luke. “Because of where Brand’s trial took place, his testimony could never have been turned into a similar show.” Another thing the UK does better: Jane Austen adaptations! I had a lovely conversation with novelist Dolly Alderton about writing Netflix’s upcoming take on Pride and Prejudice, starring Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden. Elsewhere, Dan Adler ponders the end of the manosphere, while Sam Rockwell takes us through some career highlights. More tomorrow.

HILLARY BUSIS FEATURES EDITOR

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EXCLUSIVE   Pride and Prejudice Returns: Inside Netflix’s Fresh Take on Jane Austen’s Classic   By Hillary Busis   Showrunner Dolly Alderton on Emma Corrin and Jack Lowden, the surprising ease of adapting Austen for Netflix, and the stealth hero of her series: “I really felt I’d like justice for Mrs. Bennet.” Read more

CRIME   American Courts Could Learn a Lot From the Russell Brand Trial   By Luke Jones   The comedian was just found guilty of one count of rape and three counts of sexual assault. But British law prevented his trial from becoming a media circus. Read more

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