12 Angry Men - ACT I Quiz

At the beginning of the play, the judge charges the defendant with “murder in the first degree—premeditated homicide.” What does premeditated mean?

• The murder was an accident

• The murder was planned

• The murder was committed in self-defense

• The murder was committed by the mentally ill

The judge also says, “One man is dead. A life of another is at stake. If there is a reasonable doubt in your minds as to the guilt of the accused… then you must declare him not guilty.” The term “reasonable doubt” means the jury must find what in order to claim the defendant innocent?

• Evidence that causes a suspicion that another may have been involved in the crime

• Evidence that finds the “real murderer”

• New evidence not originally given in the attorney’s arguments

In order to declare the defendant guilty the jury must

I. be unanimous

II. have the majority of the jury vote him guilty

III. believe fully that the defendant is guilty

• I only

• I and II

• I and III

• II and III

• I, II, and III

In the beginning of the narration, Juror 7 “mops his brow.” This indicated the jury room

• is large and intimidating

• is made just for men

• is basic and boring

• is stifling hot

How does the setting contribute to the actions of the jurors?

• They may be bored and distracted.

• They may be irritated and quick to make decisions.

• They may be more focused on the facts of the case.

• They may feel important and ready to deliberate the facts.

“No 8: There were eleven votes for guilty. It’s not so easy for me to raise my hand and send a boy off to die without talking about it first.

No. 7: Who says it’s easy for me?

No. 8: No one.

No. 7: What, just because I voted fast? I think the guy is guilty. You couldn’t change my mind if you talked for a hundred years.”

In the above passage what tone does Juror 7 have?

• apathetic

• defensive

• sarcastic

• compassionate

Juror 8 says, “I think maybe we owe him a few words. That’s all.” This indicates his desire for

• power

• righteousness

• justice

• honesty

Juror 5 passes on his turn to speak about why he thinks the defendant is guilty. This shows he may be

• timid

• angry

• indignant

• conceited

Juror 7 says, “This better be fast. I’ve got tickets to the game tonight.” This and his personality indicate that he wants to

• stay and deliberate facts

• have others speak up and make decisions for him

• do whatever it takes to convince people he is right

• vote guilty quickly and leave

Juror 3 uses phrases like, “It’s the kids; they don’t listen” and “Rotten kid” which show that his motivation to makes decisions may be based on

I. Emotions about his own son

II. Emotions toward all kids being “bad” kids

III. Facts about kids from the slums

IV. Facts about the case

• I only

• I and II

• II and III

• I, II, and III

• II, III, and IV