What is the role of a jury?

Rating: 10/10 (8 November 2017)

A 1957 American courtroom drama film, adapted from Reginald Rose's teleplay, is an absorbing and compelling movie that attempts to answer the all-important question above with serious implications where a boy's life is decided in the stance taken by each juror. The 96 minutes film delves into approaches of consensus-building, and the challenges involved in the negotiation process among the jurors, each with their own perspectives, experiences and personalities that come into play during moments of intense conflicts.
The film starts with the judge's apathetic delivery of instructions, as he informs the jurors to "separate the facts from the fancy". Indeed, it is important for jurors to objectively separate the people from the problem to get a clearer view of the substantive problem. However, in the film, Juror 10 expresses his displeasure and condemnation towards 'slum-born people' such as the accused. He further alleges that "slums breed criminals" and they are "no better than animals who kill for fun". This scene is perhaps one of the most powerful in demonstrating the blatant impacts of racism and prejudicial mindsets.
As the film progresses, Juror #8, played by Fonda, tries to establish objective standards, free from biases that may stem from individual personalities, emotions and experiences. However, this is easier said than done in reality as demonstrated in the film where each juror is characterized in terms of their backgrounds, occupations and prejudices.
Fonda also makes it a critical point to help the group focus on interests. The jurors communicate the need to understand their roles clearly and the importance of taking ownership of their stance to ensure a democratic process, and not switch sides without reasons, recognizing the objective criteria. Juror 11's anger towards Juror 7, who changes his vote in hope to end expediently to attend his baseball match reminds us the importance of having a jury which is to ensure a fair hearing and provide the accused with a voice.
A classic courtroom drama with a unique twist, 12 Angry Men portrays the American justice system and provides a lens to reflect on the intimate ways one relates to another in our daily lives. The film brings to light how discriminatory mindsets may be subconsciously formed where prejudice obscures the truth and blurs objectivity. The film is excellent in educating people on the impacts of every big and small decision made where the main issue may not be everything as it seems. Indeed, the jury fulfils a crucial role in the legal system, and in our everyday lives, in the communities we live and work in, the need for structured work processes may inevitably increase barriers towards help-seeking where helping professionals in the community may become boxed up in ticking criteria forms.