Twelve Angry Men Discussion Questions

1. While Reginald Rose may in fact celebrate the “trial by a jury of your peers” system
we employ as the foundation of our judicial process in the United States, he also
points our many of its weaknesses. Find textual based-evidence of such weaknesses
to discuss with your group and class.

2. In Twelve Angry Men race is a factor. Use text-based evidence for other biases the
jurors must overcome.

3. Our (USA) constitution guarantees rights to its citizens. Use text-based evidence to
show multiple constitutional rights discussed in the play and how those rights play
into the verdict.

4. Twelve Angry Men takes place in a jury deliberation room after the trial arguments
have been presented. Reginald Rose ends the play with “Not guilty!” Consider the
author’s use of setting, and without having heard the arguments in court, consider
whether the jury came to a just conclusion. Use text-based evidence.

5. At first count, 11 jurors voted “guilty” while 1 voted “not guilty” because he wanted
to discuss it. In the end a unanimous vote for “not guilty” is the verdict reached.
Using text-based evidence, show the different types of arguments (including ethos,
pathos, logos, fallacies) presented to change jurors’ minds.

Thirteen Days

The objective of this assignment is to analyze the leadership role and performance of
one such leader John F. Kennedy who successfully was able to contain and avoid the
world’s first ever nuclear war between the two superpowers Russia and USA.

Why was the resolution of the Cuban Missile Crisis considered a personal triumph for
President Kennedy? To what extent was Kennedy a successful leader in this crisis?

Discuss following aspects of both films:

1. Leadership
2. Interpersonal Influencing
3. Decision Making