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...