12 Angry Men

Bell Work What do you know or think you know about the justice system of the USA?

What is the play about? 12 Angry Men is a drama The play takes place in 2 settings A courtroom (5%) A jury room (95%) An 18 year old boy is on trial for murdering his father Is he guilty or not guilty? 12 jurors must decide his fate

Do you know your law? Cornell Notes What are the terms of law? Guilty/Not guilty to commit/not commit a crime Reasonable doubt having uncertainty

Do you know your law? Cornell Notes What are the terms of court? Defendant “the accused” person/group on trial Prosecution team trying to prove defendant guilty Jury citizens chosen to hear the case Juror is a member Evidence pieces of the case used to help convince the jury (ex. weapon)

How does a court hearing work? Two sides work to prove a defendant guilty or not guilty Defense – works for the defendant Prosecution – works against the defendant The jury (the 12 angry dudes) listen to both sides of the case They determine guilt/innocence based on def. and pro. info. NOT ON THEIR OWN BELIEFS!

What happens in a Jury Room? Citizens decide if the defendant (accused) is guilty or not guilty The jury will deliberate (discuss the case) anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks They re-examine evidence and witness accounts thoroughly

Back to the play… All 12 must vote guilty for the defendant to be found guilty or not guilty If there is a reasonable doubt then they must acquit (find innocent) the defendant So who are the jurors? Their names are never revealed They are only known by numbers

Juror 1 (the foreman) He has an air of authority above the rest of the Jurors. He generally does not speak unless a tense conflict arises between the Jurors. He wants the trial to be as fair and efficient as possible.

Juror 2 Juror Two is a very timid man. He simply goes along with the previous Juror’s opinion.

Juror 3 Juror Three is the antagonist Tries to force his opinions upon others. Utterly convinced suspect is guilty. Quick to anger

Juror 4 Solely interested in the facts of the case. Although he’s a skeptic, he abides by the rules of his position. At times he can make offensive generalizations without recognizing the emotions of others.

Juror 5 Grew up in similar situation as defendant Is intimidated easily by the strong personalities of the Jury early on Expert in knife fighting due to watching them as a child

Juror 6 Stands up for his fellow jurors Has a dislike for juror 3 Juror Six is an unsure man who participates more as the play goes on.

Juror 7 Wants to leave to see a movie titled ‘The Seven Year Itch’ Is a bigot Does not take case seriously

Juror 8 Believes that the boy deserves a fair trial and deliberation First one to say he is not guilty Protagonist of play Strong sense of justice

Juror 9 Oldest juror member Has great “one-liners” that irk the other jurors Identifies with one witness and explains his actions Ally of juror #8

Juror 10 Has a summer cold Has no respect for defendant’s background Bigot, hypocrite, and all-around butthead

Juror 11 Juror Eleven is an immigrant Very patriotic Has strong moral character as well

Juror 12 Advertising executive He goes along with the crowd. He comes off as an introvert Interested in the facts of the case. 

Themes in 12 Angry Men Perseverance: not giving up even when things are difficult Bias: a tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others that usually results in treating some people unfairly

Themes in 12 Angry Men Justice: the quality of being fair Social Inequality: groups are not equal in terms of wealth or opportunity

Themes in 12 Angry Men Social Responsibility: obligation to act for the betterment of the society such as serving on a jury

TOTD What are your expectations for the play and why?