Introduction to Twelve Angry Men ENG 3C1. Agenda: Historical Context: Live Television Drama in the 1950s Author: Reginald Rose History on Twelve Angry

Introduction to Introduction to Twelve Angry MenTwelve Angry Men

ENG 3C1ENG 3C1

Agenda:Agenda:Historical Context: Live Television Drama in

the 1950sAuthor: Reginald RoseHistory on Twelve Angry MenHow is the Law Involved?

◦History of Criminal Law◦Selection of a Jury◦Function of a Jury◦ Law of Evidence

Setting the Stage: Responsibility

Historical ContextHistorical Context11: : Live Television Drama in the Live Television Drama in the 1950s1950sThe decade of the1950s is

known for its live dramas that were broadcast on television; known as the “golden area of television”;

During this period, television replaced radio and film as the primary entertainment for society

Live drama died out in the 1960s because new technology enabled productions to be filmed

1 Prestwick House: http://www.enotes.com/twelve-angry-men-prestwick-tu/

Author: Reginald RoseAuthor: Reginald Rose11

Born on December 10, 1920 in New York CityDuring WWII he served in the US army, ending his

career as a first lieutenantAfter the war he worked as a clerk, publically writing for

Warner Brothers Pictures, writing short stories and novels

He became a regular writer for CBS’s Studio One, a weekly show that produced live drama

In that same year he wrote Twelve Angry Men, his most popular work to date, that was broadcasted on September 20, 1954

1 Prestwick House: http://www.enotes.com/twelve-angry-men-prestwick-tu/

History on History on Twelve Angry MenTwelve Angry Men

The play was inspired by 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 Law11

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”1

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

1http://moscow.usembassy.gov/root/pdfs/twelve-angry-men.pdf

Early JuriesEarly Juries1 1 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 Jury11

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◦ be local residents (i.e. an Ontario resident will most likely not be called out to

P.E.I. for jury duty)◦ 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, which you will explore in an activity shortly


Function of a JuryFunction of a Jury11

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 favourable 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


Law of EvidenceLaw of Evidence11

Burden of Proof◦Burden of producing evidence beyond all

reasonable doubt (persuading the jury to believe) rests with the prosecution to prove guilt

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 EvidenceLaw of Evidence11 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 EvidenceLaw of Evidence11 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

Setting the StageSetting the StageThe Charge to the Jury: ResponsibilityThe Charge to the Jury: Responsibility

Documents

Introduction to Twelve Angry Men ENG 3C1. Agenda: Historical Context: Live Television Drama in the 1950s Author: Reginald Rose History on Twelve Angry