Introduction to Introduction to Twelve Angry MenTwelve Angry Men
MayfieldMayfield
Agenda:Agenda:History on Twelve Angry MenHow is the Law Involved?
◦History of Criminal Law◦Selection of a Jury◦Function of a Jury◦Law of Evidence
Related issues and themesSetting the Stage: Responsibility, plot
summary
History on History on Twelve Angry MenTwelve Angry Men
The play was inspired by the author, Reginald Rose’s, experience of jury service
The 12 “Angry Men” are the individuals that make up a trial jury for the purposes of hearing a legal case and interpreting the facts, and finally returning with a verdict of either guilty or not guilty for the accused
History of Criminal LawHistory of Criminal Law
Early Juries◦ Trial by jury was brought to England in the mid 11th
Century (1066)◦ In Medieval Europe, trials were usually decided by
ordeals, where it was believed that God intervened, “revealing the wrongdoer and upholding the righteous” i.e. Ordeal by Water: the person who was accused was “tested”
in water. If the accused floated then it meant he/she was guilty (surfacing to be punished), and if the accused sank, it meant that he/she was innocent…
◦ In 1215, the Catholic Church decided that truth by ordeal was merely superstitious, and they needed a more credible system
Early JuriesEarly Juries cont’dcont’d
The first jury was made up of local people who were expected to know the defendant
Jurors were to “say the truth” (nowadays it is called “deliberating toward a verdict”)
By the 14th Century, the role of the jury finally became that of judgment by evidence
By the 15th Century, trial by jury became the dominant mode of resolving legal issues, and it was not until centuries later that the jury assumed a more modern role of deciding on facts on that which is heard in a court of law
Selection of a JurySelection of a Jury A large group of citizens are called to appear before the court
for jury duty (usually receiving a letter in the mail) Each province and state (both Canada and USA) has its own
qualifications for those who may be eligible to serve on a jury Universally, jurors must be:
◦ citizens of that nation, local residents, of majority age, of approved integrity (others must vouch for the “character” of that individual)
Both the prosecution and the defense examine the jurors to determine whether cause for challenge in any particular case exists
There are many disqualifications and exemptions from being a juror
Function of a JuryFunction of a Jury Whether evidence is properly admissible or not (allowed or
not) is a question for the court, but the weight and credibility of that evidence is determined by the jury
After the evidence has been presented, the two counsels, first the prosecution then the defense, “sum up” their arguments in a manner that is favorable to their own side
The judge makes a charge to the jury about the rules of law applicable in that particular case and sends them off to deliberate
Juries deliberate (consider and talk out the facts, arguments, testimony, evidence) until they reach an agreement (unanimous in criminal trial) and return to the court with a verdict as to the guilt or innocence of the defendant
Importance & Role of a JuryImportance & Role of a Jury
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKpiwpajm6I
Law of EvidenceLaw of EvidenceBurden of Proof
◦Burden of producing evidence beyond all reasonable doubt (persuading the jury to believe) rests with the prosecution to prove guilt using:
◦due process: a set of procedures designed to make sure that people are treated fairly by the government based on the idea that a person cannot be deprived
of life, liberty or property without appropriate legal procedures and safeguards
Relevance◦Evidence is relevant when it has a tendency to
prove or disprove disputed facts i.e. eyewitness testimony is relevant because it can
prove an event happened
Law of Evidence Law of Evidence cont’dcont’d
Law of Evidence Law of Evidence cont’dcont’d
Hearsay◦Statements made outside of court by
someone who is not present to testify under oath at trial One reason for excluding this evidence is because
cross-examination can’t occur, which is the opportunity for one side to ask questions to that witness in hopes of refuting his/her information/credibility
Law of Evidence Law of Evidence cont’dcont’d
Witnesses◦Nearly all persons with knowledge relevant to
the case can testify◦Expert witnesses can also be called on, which
are experts in their field of work and can interpret findings, examine situations, forensics, etc. i.e. psychologist, medical doctor, coroner
About the PlayAbout the PlayThe play deals with the sensitive issues of
prejudice and racism, relying heavily on the portrayal of stereotypes
You must be alerted to the fact that the views of the jurors, as improper as they are (mid 20th Century), did influence the jury system/decisions for many years
This controversy emphasizes the play’s important theme of justice prevailing, even if one person stands up for what is right
Theme: TTheme: The Triumph and he Triumph and Fragility of JusticeFragility of JusticeThree key elements of the Judicial system are
demonstrated in the play:◦ The defendant does not have to demonstrate his
innocence. Innocent until proven guilty.◦ The verdict must be unanimous since unanimity
guards against a miscarriage of justice.◦ The defendant can be convicted only in the absence of
reasonable doubt."It is better that a guilty man be set free than an
innocent man be convicted.
Theme: Theme: Reasonable & Reasonable & Unreasonable BeliefUnreasonable BeliefIt is important to examine not only our own
beliefs but also those of others.We must ask whether these beliefs are
consistent with each other and coherent with reality as we best understand it to be.
We must also examine our logic (way of thinking) and beware of our fallacies (deceptive, misleading or false beliefs) and prejudices (class, race, other).
We often let our emotions govern our decisions more than unbiased logical reasoning
Setting the StageSetting the StageThe Charge to the Jury: ResponsibilityThe Charge to the Jury: ResponsibilityThe film opens in a courtroom, wherein we see a
young man who appears to belong to some ethnic minority. We soon learn that he is on trial for the murder of his father.
The judge instructs the jury that their vote must be unanimous and that, if found guilty, the boy will face the death penalty.
Cut to the jury room where the story takes place.An anonymous vote is taken where all the jurors
vote guilty, save one...
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