Twelve Angry Men

Introduction Twelve Angry Men is a play written by Reginald Rose, who actually wrote the drama based on his real-life experience in a New York courtroom. In the story, 12 jurors are debating the fate of a juvenile boy, who is being charged with the murder of his father. The entire play is set in the jury room where the jurors debate and try to get to a unanimous vote of guilty or not-guilty.

Questions to consider… What is justice? Does prejudice exist in our legal system? What crimes should be punishable by death? Is our legal system fair?

Connections How would the jury in Twelve Angry Men voted in a case against George in Of Mice and Men? Are the prejudices illustrated in the play similar to the ones illustrated in Of Mice and Men? Was justice served in both stories?

Vocabulary Burden of proof: –required evidence to establish a basis for filing legal action with a court. Due process of law: –the constitutional guarantee that an accused person receives a fair and impartial trial. Presumption of innocence: –a principle that requires the government to prove the guilt of a criminal defendant and relieves the defendant of any burden to prove his or her innocence.

Vocabulary Circumstantial evidence: –indirect evidence that allows a conclusion to be made. Beyond a reasonable doubt: –standard of proof that must be agreed upon to convict an accused person. Acquit: –To set free, release or discharge

Vocabulary Defendant: –the person charged with committing a crime. Prosecutor: –trial lawyer representing the government in a criminal case. Premeditated: –planned ahead. Hung jury: –a jury that cannot agree on a verdict.