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Twelve Angry Men By Reginald Rose
Focus Response The play we are going to begin reading this week deals with a criminal homicide trial. For the next few minutes I would like you to brainstorm everything you know or think you know about how a criminal trial works from beginning to end. We will share out your ideas at the end.
Two Sides of the Trial Defense Prosecution Lawyer(s) attempting to show that the person accused did not commit a crime. Lawyer(s) attempting to prove that the person accused committed a crime.
Due Process The fifth and 14th amendments to the Constitution give every citizen the right to due process. Basically, this means that everyone is entitled to a fair and speedy trial when accused of wrongdoing.
What is a Jury? A sworn body of people brought together to provide an impartial verdict A member of a jury is called a juror. In most criminal trials, a jury is comprised of 12 members.
Jury Selection A pool of jurors is randomly selected from the community. Prospective jurors can then be excused for many personal reasons. Attorneys then question the remaining potential jurors and end up with the final 12 plus alternates.
Deliberation The jury discusses the case and attempts to reach a decision on the accused’s guilt. A foreman is elected to lead the discussion and keep things organized and civil. In a criminal case, the verdict must be unanimous. If a jury finds itself “hopelessly deadlocked”, a hung jury occurs, and a mistrial is declared.
Sometimes juries will be sequestered. This means that they are not allowed to talk or see anyone outside the courthouse during the entire proceedings. A mistrial can be declared when there is a hung jury, but a judge can also declare one when there has been misconduct by someone involved in the case.
The Verdict A formal finding of fact by a jury. Guilty or not guilty – there is no innocent.
