1. Reginald Rose’s 12 Angry Men
The American Justice System

2. Playwright’s Inspiration
Rose was inspired to write the play after his own experience with serving jury duty on a manslaughter case in New York City.
Rose was reluctant to participate in jury duty, but then he realized the significance of his role: “The moment I walked into the courtroom… and found myself facing a strange man whose fate was suddenly more or less in my hands, my entire attitude changed.”

3. The Jury Consists of 12 citizens
They are interviewed and personally selected for the case based on their views and responses to questions
They decide the verdict for the defendant
They must come to a unanimous decision for the verdict
Meaning: all 12 persons need to agree on a guilty or not guilty charge
Exception: In Oregon or Louisiana, 10 out of 12 jurors can convict or acquit

4. Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
“Beyond a reasonable doubt” is a term used in the courtroom.
Simply put, this means that there is no doubt in a reasonable person’s mind that the defendant is guilty.
Most importantly used in murder cases when the defendant’s life is on the line.
Meaning, that the evidence presented is air-tight.

5. Circumstantial Evidence
Evidence based on the circumstances
Basically, it’s not the best type of evidence.
It is largely based on inferences and indirectly proves a fact.
Ex: Direct witness testimony versus witness testimony that is based on circumstantial evidence.
Scientific evidence can be circumstantial, because it requires the jury to make a connection between the circumstance and fact in the issue.
Ex: With fingerprint evidence one must make the connection that the handling of the object is tied to the commission of the crime.

6. Hung Jury
Slang for a hopelessly deadlocked jury, in which neither side is able to prevail.
Trial judge declares a mistrial.
A new trial from scratch, with a new jury panel, is required.
The prosecutor can decide not to re-try the case, especially if the majority of the jury favored an acquittal.

7. Focus Question
Suppose you knew that everyone around you was thinking one way; the opposite of how you were thinking.
Would you still stand up for what you believe, or would you withhold your opinion and follow their lead?