The Jury System
What is the possible sentence if the defendant is found guilty?
Execution (the death penalty).
What is prejudice?
Judging the accused based on background or stereotypes rather than evidence.
Which juror votes “not guilty” in the first ballot?
Juror 8.
Who is the first Juror to change their vote from guilty after listening to Juror 8?
Juror 9.
Where does the majority of the play take place?
In the jury room.
Spell the full name of the author.
Reginald Rose.
What is reasonable doubt?
A level of uncertainty that prevents a jury from being sure of guilt.
What does bias mean?
An unfair preference or influence that affects judgement.
What motivates Juror 8’s initial “not guilty” vote?
A belief that the case deserves proper discussion before a verdict is reached.
What is the difference between evidence and assumption?
Evidence is verifiable; assumptions are based on belief or bias.
What is pathetic fallacy?
When weather or environment reflects the emotions or tension of characters. Pathos = emotion.
When was 12 Angry Men written?
1954
What two verdicts can the jury decide on?
Guilty or not guilty.
Why is Juror 10’s phrase “those people” significant?
He uses dehumanising language that reinforces bias and exclusion (Othering).
Why does Juror 3 struggle to remain objective?
His unresolved conflict with his son affects his emotional judgement.
Why do the jurors initially assume the knife proves that the defendant is guilty?
It is believed to be unique, until Juror 8 proves otherwise.
Bonus info: The jurors make this assumption simply because the prosecution suggests it. They are also influenced by the boy's upbringing and criminal history.
Name three symbols from the play.
Accepted answers: The weather (pathetic fallacy), the knife, the window, the secret ballot.
Which country’s legal system does the play represent?
The United States.
What does burden of proof refer to?
The responsibility of the prosecution to prove guilt. The defendant does not have to prove anything because they are assumed innocent until proven guilty.
What is emotive language?
Language designed to provoke feelings rather than logic.
Which juror is the last to change his vote?
Juror 3.
Why is the knife scene a turning point in the jury’s reasoning?
It undermines the certainty of the prosecution’s evidence and suggests there is possibly reasonable doubt.
Why is the jury room kept closed for most of the play?
To heighten pressure and force the men to confront each other.
What is the name of the social justice movement that was prominent in the United States when the play was written?
The Civil Rights movement. (P.S. Capitalise Civil Rights).
If the jurors cannot vote unanimously on a verdict, what is the term for what will happen?
If the jurors cannot vote on a unanimous verdict, they must declare a hung jury.
Bonus info: A new trial with a new jury will be held. This is Juror 7 says the boy can "“Let’s take it in to the judge and let the kid take his chances with twelve other guys.”
What is implicit bias?
Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that affect judgement.
What is conformity?
Changing behaviour or opinions to match a group.
What detail about the old man’s testimony is questioned?
Whether he could have heard and reached the door in time.
What does the heat symbolise in the jury room?
Students may suggest: Rising tension, impatience, hasty assumptions and emotional pressure.
What was the main goal of the Civil Rights Movement?
To end racial discrimination and segregation.
What object is used for the jurors to vote secretly?
Ballot slips (paper).
What is othering language?
Language that separates people into “us” and “them.” Alienating language.
What is groupthink?
When a group prioritises agreement over critical evaluation. This can often result in unfair or extreme results.
What issue is raised about the woman’s testimony?
Whether she was wearing glasses and could see clearly.
What does the window symbolise in the play?
Students may suggest: Perspective, openness, close-mindedness
What does segregation mean?
The enforced separation of groups based on race.