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Contractor Unwittingly Stars in Jury Duty Documentary

3/21/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Ronald Gladden, a solar panel contractor, attended jury duty in San Diego in 2023, unaware he was part of a documentary.
He believed the proceedings were a real trial, while all other jurors were actors and some events were scripted.
The unusual setup turned the jury duty into a gamble for Gladden, who adapted to the presence of cameras and filmmakers documenting the trial.

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Story summary

Ronald Gladden, a solar panel contractor, attended jury duty in San Diego in 2023, unaware he was part of a documentary.
He believed the proceedings were a real trial, while all other jurors were actors and some events were scripted.
The unusual setup turned the jury duty into a gamble for Gladden, who adapted to the presence of cameras and filmmakers documenting the trial.