Ms. Dunne LP CORE. Does trial by jury seem like a fair system to you? Imagine a local newspaper has asked citizens to send in their opinions on the

March 19, 2015

Ms. DunneLP CORE

Daily Journal

Does trial by jury seem like a fair system to you? Imagine a local newspaper has asked citizens to send in their opinions on the matter. Write a letter to the editor in which you explain your feelings on trials by jury. Whatever opinion you hold, write a letter that will persuade those who currently disagree with it to change their minds

Homework:

Read to page 30 in 12 Angry Men and answer the Study Guide Questions

American Legal Terms:

Foreman: a juror chosen to lead a jury and deliver the verdict to the judge.


Convict: to find the defendant guilty of the crime

Acquit—to find the defendant innocent


Reasonable Doubt: This is the element in law that states that if some uncertainty exists, a juror must vote to acquit. Because jurors were not there to see the crime, they cannot be one hundred percent certain who is guilty; however, even without being certain, they may vote to convict if they believe the defendant committed the crime. If they have a real question in their minds as to the defendant's guilt or innocence, this is “reasonable doubt,” and they should vote to acquit.


Innocent until proven guilty: a fundamental principal of law that means the state must prove guilt; the suspect does not have to prove innocence.


The Fifth Amendment: a fundamental principle of law which states that a person cannot be forced to testify against him or herself in a court of law.


Double Jeopardy: a fundamental principle of law that states that a person cannot be tried twice for the same crime; this means that if a defendant is acquitted, that person cannot be tried again for the same crime, even if evidence arises that proves that person's guilt.


Cross-examine: to question a witness by the opposing counsel

Deliberate: to consider or discuss carefully

Premeditated: planned or plotted in advance.


Homicide: the killing of one person by another


Hung Jury: lack of agreement among jurors when instructed that a unanimous decision is required; a hung jury would require a retrial.

Activity 1: Make Your Case

In Pairs: Log onto Haiku: Click on the link, labelled “Make Your Case” and put a pair of headphones into your computer that can be split between two people and follow the prompts on screen.

One of you will be the lawyer for the defendant, and one of you will be a lawyer for the plaintiff.

Activity 2: Dramatic Reading

Arrange the desks to make a large table in the middle of the room.

We will read 12 Angry Men together and try and follow stage directions as well: for clarity: the washroom/toilet are the back alcove.

Draw Numbers from a hat: whatever number you get, that is the number of the juror who’s part you will read.

Activity 3: Grammar

Log onto NoRedInk and complete any or all of the Assignments Posted

Documents

Ms. Dunne LP CORE. Does trial by jury seem like a fair system to you? Imagine a local newspaper has asked citizens to send in their opinions on the