The Failure Of The Jury System In Twelve Angry Men

538 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Introduction about 12 angry men movie

The movie Twelve Angry Men would have been a much shorter movie if the trial had taken place in Oregon. The 10-2 jury system has existed since 1934 in Oregon as opposed to the unanimous verdict that is required elsewhere. However, A unanimous verdict is the best option because it forces lengthy discussion, which in turn makes whatever verdict to come out, one that can be trusted by the majority of onlookers.
While some might claim that saving money overrides the need for a unanimous jury verdict, one cannot repay an innocent man back for the years lost after a wrongful conviction. Too many innocent people are in jail with the imperfect system that our government is currently using. The 10-2 system only makes this easier. Under the Oregon system, imposing the death penalty merely requires 10 of 12 jurors to agree to do so (source E). Although more resources are required to obtain a unanimous-verdict, the truth …show more content…

Though others may insist that those last few jurors that hold out their vote are just stubborn and cannot see the truth, the reality is that they see in the case in a different light. With unanimous voting, jurors are required to “spend more time in deliberation” and have “higher-quality discussions of the case” (source C). Each individual will have ample time to express their opinion and mull it over with the other jurors. Through the reasoning, the jurors will either see the holes in their theories or strengthen it so much that the others will have no choice, but to consider the opinion (source A). This also insures that the person on trial will be found guilty or not after careful consideration; beyond a reasonable doubt. Whether the crime be something sever requiring capital punishment or not, a guilty sentence can destroy an innocent man’s entire life. Therefore, long fruitful discussions should be had in all jury trials to confidently pass a guilty or not guilty

Show More
Related

  • Runaway Jury: Depiction of Jury Tampering and Jury Sequestering

    1020 Words  | 3 Pages

    The movie Runaway Jury starts with a shooting in a business office. The movie then continues to people receiving jury summons and people taking pictures of them. It goes on to show Rankin Fitch and the defense committing electronic surveillance during the jury selections. This movie shows how Fitch and the defense attempt to influence the jury to vote for the defense. The movie continuously shows a person by the name of “Marlee” who talks to Fitch and Rohr trying to persuade them to pay her in order for the jury to be “swayed” their way. “Marlee” is Nick Easter’s girlfriend. As the movie progresses, the viewer realizes that Nick was pretended to get avoid jury duty in order to secure a spot in the jury. The movie ends with the jury voting against the gun company and then Nick and “Marlee” blackmailing Fitch with a receipt for $15 million and they demand that he retire immediately. They inform him that the $15 million will benefit the shooting victims in the town of Gardner.

    Read More

  • Examples Of Perseverance In 12 Angry Men

    1964 Words  | 4 Pages

    There are quite a few specific factors that affect whether the minority can influence the majority’s opinion. For example, when Juror #9 becomes an ally of support for Juror #8 in his defection from the majority consensus. Although Juror #8 may have started with only one ally, gradually he gained support from other jury members. Another important factor in the power of minority influence (Myers, 298) is the consistency of the viewpoint. Juror #8 never ‘flip-flops’, proponents of the minority position must stand firm against the pressure to conform. Even when Juror #8 is taunted by his fellow jurors after voting not-guilty in the initial vote he stands firm on his position and resists the pressure to conform. Furthermore, high self-confidence and self-assurance improves the position of the minority. Juror #8 presented firm and forceful arguments without being overbearing. He justifies his not-guilty vote by saying, “I just think we owe him a few words, that's all.” In the film, there is also a point in the discussion where Juror #6 defends those who voted not-guilty from the bullying, shouting, and name-calling from the other jurors. Throughout the film, Juror #3 is a bully, a specific example of insulting nature it seen in the film when another not-guilty ballot is received and he attacks Juror #5. He shouts, “Brother, you really are somethin'. You sit here vote guilty like the rest of us, then some golden-voiced preacher starts tearing your poor heart out about some underprivileged kid, just couldn't help becoming a murderer, and you change your vote. Well, if that isn't the most sickening - *why don't you drop a quarter in his collection box?” his criticisms of the other jurors does not sway people to his side. In reality, when a minority gathers strength people feel freer to think outside the box without the fear

    Read More

  • 12 Angry Men Juror 8 Analysis

    301 Words  | 1 Pages

    Some Heroes don't wear capes in the play 12 Angry Men juror number 8 is that kind of person in the play is About a Boy on trial for murder and a jury filled with different people trying to decide his fate while some jurors want to leave or don't care juror number 8 is a man who fights for justice juror number 8 represents the best of our American justice system because he is truthful gentle and strong. He is interested in and getting to the facts and seeing Justice served “there were 11 votes for guilty it's not so easy for me to raise my hand and send a boy off to die without talking about it first” (rose5). It might take a long time to reach a fair verdict but Juror 8 does not seem intimidated from the naysayers. Juror 8 even calls out juror

    Read More

  • Prejudice in 12 Angry Men

    1000 Words  | 2 Pages

    12 Angry Men is about 12 men who are the jury for an 18 year old accused of murder. The judge states in the opening scene that it is a premeditated murder in the 1st degree, if found guilty will automatically receive the death penalty. The 18 year old male is accused of killing his father with a “one of a kind” switch blade, in their home. The prosecutors have several eye witness testimonies, and all of the evidence that they could need to convict the 18 year old male. In the movie it takes place on the hottest day of the year in New York City. There are 12 jurors whom are to decide if the evidence is enough to convict the teen of murder in the first degree. In the first initial vote it is 11-1. The only way that the jurors could turn in their votes was if there was unanimous vote either guilty or not guilty among the 12 jurors. As the movie progressed the jurors ended up changing their minds as new evidence was brought to their attention by simple facts that were overlooked by the police and prosecutors in the initial investigation. Tempers were raised, and words flew, there was prejudice and laziness of a few of the jurors that affected the amount of time it took to go over all of the eye witness testimonies and evidence. The eye witness testimonies ended up being proven wrong and some of the evidence was thrown out because it was put there under false pretense.

    Read More

  • Jury Nullification: Power, Impact and Controversy

    1444 Words  | 3 Pages

    At trial, your life is in the palms of strangers who decide your fate to walk free or be sentenced and charged with a crime. Juries and judges are the main components of trials and differ at both the state and federal level. A respectable citizen selected for jury duty can determine whether the evidence presented was doubtfully valid enough to convict someone without full knowledge of the criminal justice system or the elements of a trial. In this paper, juries and their powers will be analyzed, relevant cases pertaining to jury nullification will be expanded and evaluated, the media’s part on juries discretion, and finally the instructions judges give or may not include for juries in the court.

    Read More

  • The History of Juries

    590 Words  | 2 Pages

    In the United States, jury trials are an important part of our court system. We rely heavily on the jury to decide the fate of the accused. We don’t give a second thought to having a jury trial now, but they were not always the ‘norm’.

    Read More

  • Jury Tampering In The Runaway Jury

    645 Words  | 2 Pages

    Runaway Jury was a motion picture that was released in 2003 and directed by Gary Felder. In this movie, a father and husband was shot in his workplace in New Orleans. His wife sued the gun manufacturer for allowing the murderer of her husband to obtain the gun. A jury was selected for this trial and one of the men selected was named Nicholas Easter. Nicholas and his girlfriend Marlee strategically manipulated the outcome of the trial using the jury members. This movie focused on jury tampering, voir dire, cooperate negligence, and jury summons which all pertain to trial law.

    Read More

  • Comparing and Contrasting Juror 3 and Juror 8 from Twelve Angry Men

    1056 Words  | 3 Pages

    In the play “Twelve Angry men”, the story line presents a variety of perspectives and opinions between twelve very different men. Some are more likely to be pointed out as prejudice, and others are more focused on reaching fair justice. Clearly, it is quite difficult for different people to vote ‘guilty’ or ‘not guilty’ in unity when coming to a fair decision. In all of the twelve jurors, I have chosen Juror 3 and Juror 8 for contrast and comparison. I believe that Juror number 3 is a very opinionated man, with more differences than similarities comparing with Juror number 8.

    Read More

  • Analysis of the Jurors in 12 Angry Men

    617 Words  | 2 Pages

    Guilty or not guilty? This the key question during the murder trial of a young man accused of fatally stabbing his father. The play 12 Angry Men, by Reginald Rose, introduces to the audience twelve members of a jury made up of contrasting men from various backgrounds. One of the most critical elements of the play is how the personalities and experiences of these men influence their initial majority vote of guilty. Three of the most influential members include juror #3, juror #10, and juror #11. Their past experiences and personal bias determine their thoughts and opinions on the case. Therefore, how a person feels inside is reflected in his/her thoughts, opinions, and behavior.

    Read More

  • The History of the Jury System

    704 Words  | 2 Pages

    The jury system is essentially a descendant of Great Britain, the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians. Colonialism played a significant role in the development of the jury system globally. However, despite colonial influence, judicial systems across the world have taken their own way. As a result, the jury system has developed and changed to suit the needs and social conscience of different countries. Across the world, juries examine and decide the facts in a jury trial, the accuracy of the testimony, the guilt or innocence of criminal defendants, and liabilities in a civil litigation. Today, many countries such as Britain, United States, Brazil, Canada, Japan, Australia, France, German, India, and so on practice jury trials. These countries will be the issue of discussion in this paper.

    Read More

  • Pros And Cons Of The Jury System In 12 Angry Men By Sidney Lumet

    1175 Words  | 3 Pages

    Mention the pros and cons of our jury system and possible alternatives of it. Also, identify the group dynamics of the jury members

    Read More

  • 12 Angry Men Courage Analysis

    1026 Words  | 3 Pages

    From the very beginning of 12 Angry Men, we are shown a jury unevenly divided, eleven of the men voting for guilty, and one voting for not guilty. This

    Read More

  • 12 Angry Men: Conflict in the Courtroom

    587 Words  | 2 Pages

    The jurors had several conflicts in disagreeing with each other and it didn't help that they would shout over one another. The very first conflict is when juror 8 voted not guilty against the 11 guilty votes. The other 11 jurors don't seem to want to hear this man out; they don't want to hear why he has voted not guilty. Some of these men, jurors 3 and 7, just want to get this case over with so they can get on with their lives. They don't think it is imperative enough to look over the evidence and put themselves in the place of the defendant. They get upset with this man and try to get him to vote guilty.

    Read More

  • Jury Trial Advantages

    580 Words  | 2 Pages

    Jury trial is a successfully established system which has a history of more than 800 years. Juries are the driving force of the criminal justice system as they ensure that the system works for the welfare of the society. Equally important, juries reflect the opinion which is generally accepted by the public. It is said, that jury trial, as well as having advantages also has drawbacks. This essay will critically discuss the advantage and disadvantage of jury trial, including cases as an example.

    Read More

  • Group Participation and Interaction Explored in 12 Angry Men

    1101 Words  | 3 Pages

    ...irrespective of what majority says. Your participation has the ability to change what others think completely. Due to Jury number 8's participation, the ratio of 1:11 votes(not guilty:guilty) changed to an over all vote of not guilty. Communication doesn't happen non-verbally right at the beginning stages of the group development. If the movie was “11 Angry Men” with Jury number 8 excluded, the other jurors would've done just given vote once, and decided the fate of the boy. Why did the group make its decision not guilty? The answer is plain and simple: “Due to group participation and interaction.” If you were in the place of juror number 8 or any other juror, would you've spoken for the boy or not?

    Read More

More about The Failure Of The Jury System In Twelve Angry Men

Open Document