Preparation

Read the script from your textbook again, and think of the following:

• Describe the 12 jurors (&)• Argumentation & persuation• Crucial scenes in plot

Presentation topicJuror selection

12 angry men

Discussion topics

• Legal system– Jury system as the focus

• Movie– Characters – Argumentation

• Values & norms (manners)

Questions • Why is the movie named 12 angry men?• What can you tell about the 12 men? (How would you describe j

uror No.3’s behavior?)• What techniques of arguing have you learned?

– What are the crucial evidences do the “guilty” side have?

– What are the questions that are asked to challenge the evidences ( to prove whether the boy is guilty or not)?

– How does the “not guilty” side build and support their case?

– Language used to show (dis)agreement, to express opinions, etc.?

• How do you understand and evaluate this jury system? (advantages & disadvantages)

• Do you know anything about the legal system in China? (make a comparison)

• What are the values cherished?

Discussion • Can you summarize the “guilty” side’s arguments?

• How did the two sides argue against each other?

• Who did a better job? And why? (or: why did the “guilty” side lose?)

• Are there any strong yet not well-developed arguments provided by the “guilty” side?

• What do you think of the verdict of the jury (not guilty)? What if the boy did knife his father? Is there any better solution to it?

• What does the verdict of the jury in the movie imply in terms of cultural values?

• Are there any other details that have impressed you?

• Jury

• 12

• unanimous

• Reasonable doubt

• Hung jury

• Knife• Secret vote (2-9)• Old man’s testimony (3-9)• Why coming back (4-9)• To the door in 15`` (6-6, rained)• The boy’s condition (movie name)• Stab wound (9-3)• Woman’s testimony (8-4)• Nose rubbing (11-1)

Manners & values

• Don’t leave when one is talking

• Wait for everyone to start

• Listen when someone is talking

• Respect old man

• Have the guts to do what you think is right

• Human life is valuable to everyone

• Try to keep private prejudice out (of a thing like this)

Agreement & disagreement

• I’m with you.

• You can say that again.

• I think the point has been made.

• You made some excellent points, but I still believe … and I have two reasons.

• I don’t go along with you.

• What are you talking about?

• What are you trying to give us here?

• Don’t tell me …

• I don’t know.

• What does that have to do with …

• Come on! What’s the guessing game for?

• What are you getting at?

• Will you get to the point?

• What are you giving us here?

• Get to your point.

• What point are you making here?

Movies mentioned

• The Scarlet Circle

• The Amazing Mrs. Bainbridge (Juror No.4)

• The cat licks it up.