Twelve Angry Men

Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

What do you know of the American jury system? Who makes up a jury? What rules do they follow, and what are they expected to deliver?

Teaching Suggestion: This Short Answer introduces the idea of the American jury system and prepares students for the theme The Myth of the American Dream. The American jury system is built on the idea of ordinary citizens, chosen at random, participating in the legal process. In both criminal and civil cases, juries are responsible for deciding the facts of the case based on evidence presented in court, while judges provide legal instructions. This system is seen as a cornerstone of American democracy, allowing citizens to hold a role in ensuring fairness and upholding the law.

• “Jury Service Overview” by the United States Courts is a three-minute video explaining the rights and obligations granted to American citizens in the US Constitution.
• “The Importance of Jury Trials to a Democratic Society” by the National Judicial College is a presentation that orients students to the unique characteristics of the American jury system.