Twelve Angry Men Study Guide

Criminal Trial

Involves crimes against the state, such as Twelve Angry Men's homicidal trial.

Civil Trial

Involves disputes between private parties, unlike the criminal case in Twelve Angry Men.

Premeditated Homicide

Characterized by conscious intent and planning, as seen in the case discussed in Twelve Angry Men.

Hung Jury

Unable to reach a verdict by the required margin, results in a retrial of the case.

Double Jeopardy

Prohibits prosecution for the same crime twice, a concept relevant in criminal justice.

Jury

Group empowered to make findings of fact and render a verdict, pivotal in Twelve Angry Men's plot.

Allegorical Characters

Representing concepts like sadism, reason, and justice, as seen in Twelve Angry Men.

Reasonable Doubt

Doubt based on reason and insufficient evidence, crucial in criminal trials like in Twelve Angry Men.

Literary Devices

Techniques like foreshadowing and symbolism used in Twelve Angry Men to enhance the story.

Themes

Concepts like justice, duty, and poverty explored in Twelve Angry Men and other literary works.

Family

Figuratively represents connections and love within a community, showcasing emotions ranging from loving to spiteful.

Compassion

Involves sympathetic concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others.

Logic

A system of reasoning aiming to draw valid conclusions based on information, proof, or reason.

Bigot

An individual obstinately attached to prejudiced beliefs or opinions against a particular group.

Leader

The person who leads or commands a group, organization, or country.

Reason

The power of the mind to think, understand, and form judgments through logical processes.

Bias

Prejudice in favor of or against something or someone, often unfairly.

Triumph of reason over bias

Demonstrated when a juror sets aside bias and votes not guilty, showcasing the victory of logic over prejudice.

Lady Justice’s Blindfold

represents objectivity or freedom from bias

Lady Justice’s Scale

represents the weighing of evidence and facts; measures of a case’s strengths and oppositions

Lady Justice’s Double-edged Sword

• represents the power of reason and justice that can be wielded for or against any party

• usually in right hand

Lady Justice’s Book/Scroll

represents knowledge

The Snake at Lady Justice’s Feet

represents evil

Why don’t the jurors have names?

they are allegorical

Ad Lib

to improvise especially lines or a speech