Juror No. 8

Katie Duncan

Mr. Belegrin

English 10/1

December 13, 2016

Act 3 Assessment (Juror NO. 8)

Juror NO. 8 has a huge part in the story “Twelve Angry Men.” He leads his fellow jurors to a unanimous verdict if not guilty. He strongly focuses on the truth. He states, “I’m not trying to change your mind. It’s just that… we’re talking about somebody’s life here. We can’t decide it in five minutes. Supposing we’re wrong.” Juror NO. 8 states such a thing because in the first vote every juror votes guilty except him. He also has a reasonable doubt in his mind. He is always using logos to prove this man not guilty.

Juror NO. 8 interacts with the other characters in a quiet way. He is always listening and hearing every side of the questions and the answers given. He tries playing it fair for the boy and the jury. He states things like “I want to call for a vote. I want you eleven men to vote by secret ballot. I'll abstain. If there are still eleven votes for guilty, I won't stand alone. We'll take in a guilty verdict right now." After this vote is was 3 to 9. He is carefully using facts to prove to each and every juror that this boy is not guilty. He interacts with the characters in a mellow yet thoughtful way.

Juror NO. 8 is very helpful in developing the theme throughout this short story. He is very liberal and open-minded for the group. It is his vote that keeps the jury from delivering a speedy vote of guilty. He urges his fellow jurors to look at the facts rather than rely on their emotional responses. Ideal justice is therefore shown to be both logic and fair.