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 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

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

 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.

 C ross-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.

 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.

 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.

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