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 Two is a very timid man. He simply goes along with the

previous Juror’s opinion.

Juror 2

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?