A classic study of "reasonable doubt"

Rating: 9/10 (20 January 2010)

Before seeing this film - and having never served on a jury - I hadn't seriously contemplated the meaning of "reasonable doubt" in a legal context. Now, I can't imagine a better explanation than what's shown here. It was amazing that they accomplished so much with a simple set and somewhat stilted acting. There's never a dull moment, as you might expect from a film shot in just two rooms (court and jury).
Every juror should watch this film to avoid tunnel-vision, especially if a death sentence is possible. It's common for people to lock on to an opinion and stop thinking entirely. Including those who consider themselves skeptics. The Fonda character represents a proportionally rare critical thinker.
Knowing how thick-headed folks can be, especially those who fly the flag of conservatism, this film made me wonder how many court cases are decided fairly vs. hastily. Note the review on this very site titled "Another Liberal Propaganda Classic." Courts need to screen for small-mindedness before all else.