I found it to be almost a different book, when I read it this time. I was so naïve the first time. And it shows a different side of America - the woman who cared about the murderer was truly a good-hearted, Christian woman who stuck to her values. This despite the fact that her whole life was changed and disrupted (her husband was the sheriff, IIRC).
I too wish we could see the jury. I have to say that something about Alex's testimony is making me really angry. I wish Alex would just break down and confess. How he keeps himself from doing so, I have no idea. He's going to jail for the rest of his life, in any case (IMO), so he should clear his conscience. He obviously has no religious sentiments, doesn't feel a need to ask forgiveness of his family, the public - or his Deity.